Just three goals in 13 games - Mourinho highlights Abraham's shortcomings after Chelsea departure
Stefan Bienkowski
- Updated: 25 Nov 2021 16:47 CST
- 5 min read
Roma manager Jose Mourinho has suggested that Tammy Abraham still has much to learn after making a move to Serie A in the summer.
The England striker enjoyed a bright start at Roma with three goals in his first two league games for his new club, after joining from Chelsea in a deal worth a reported £36 million.
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However, since then Abraham has only managed two goals in his following 11 games and has at times found himself being substituted off.
The 24-year-old certainly looked back to his best on Thursday, when he bagged a brace for the Italian giants in a 4-0 win over Zorya Lugansk in the Europa Conference League.
However, in typical fashion, Mourinho wasn’t too eager to praise his out-of-form striker without also providing some constructive criticism alongside it.
What Abraham has to improve on
“My team is made up of good people as well as good players. I never get angry with them, as the sense of belonging and unity is always there,” said Mourinho after Thursday's win.
“We can debate issues about tactical positions and movements, but I am never angry with them.
“Abraham arrived from a different type of football, playing for a team that always dominated and a striker is only there to score goals.
‘In Italy, it’s important the striker has to work for the team as well, to press the opposition centre-backs and at the same time start the defence from there.
“It is a need he was unaccustomed to, but he is absorbing this and the concept of working for the team. I am happy, as he is improving a great deal.
“We could’ve been in a better position in Serie A, we could’ve won this Conference League group, but overall I am very happy to be working with these lads.”
