ROMA boss Jose Mourinho used a ballboy to relay a message to goalkeeper Rui Patricio during last night’s chaotic clash with Fiorentina.
The Portuguese had earlier watched his side take the lead via Romelu Lukaku’s fifth minute header.
Things went wrong from there, however, with two injuries and a pair of red cards hampering Roma’s progress.
Paulo Dybala was forced to hobble off during the first half, before his replacement Sardar Azmoun suffered the same fate in the second.
With Roma still leading, Nicolas Zalewski received a second yellow card on 64 minutes for tripping his opponent.
Fiorentina were level just two minutes later via Lucas Martinez’s effort.
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Things then went from bad to worse for Roma, who saw talisman Lukaku given a straight red card in the 87th minute for a poor challenge on Christian Kouame.
As Roma sought to hold on, boss Mourinho scribbled down some instructions on a piece of paper, before passing them to a ballboy.
The dutiful ballboy then jogged around to Patricio’s goal, handing the goalkeeper his manager’s advice.
Mourinho’s fans online loved the gesture, with one calling it a “fantastic image”.
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A second gushed: “This is football heritage.”
Although a third joked: “Weird way to hand in your resignation letter.”
Roma managed to hold out for a 1-1 draw but Mourinho was far from happy.
The 60-year-old once again berated officials as they left the pitch.
He then refused to speak to the media after the match.
Fiorentina substitute Nikola Milenkovic, who was recently linked with Roma, was also red carded deep into stoppage time.
The draw leaves Roma fourth in the Serie A table, above Bologna on goal difference.
They now trail leaders Inter Milan by 13 points.
Mourinho’s Roma contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
He recently admitted that he sees himself managing elsewhere in the future.
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The former Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss told Rai1: “I think one day I will join Saudi Pro League. I think I will go and coach there, yes.
“But that day won’t be tomorrow or after tomorrow…”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
