A series of 25 penalty goals in a row was lost. Romelu Lukaku had the opportunity to give AS Roma a carefree evening against Lecce, but missed it.
“It is the first penalty he misses in Italy, but the second or third with me as coach,” says his coach José Mourinho.
And so the Portuguese puts things into perspective: “Look, only the players who take a penalty can miss one. I am never angry with someone who misses a penalty.”
“Dybala did not have the self-confidence and did not dare to kick fully due to problems with his ligaments.”
Mourinho takes great pleasure in the fact that Lukaku reacted so emotionally after his winning goal.
“Lukaku is an emotional boy,” he says. “I know him better than anyone, because I have already had him under my wing at three different teams. If he makes a mistake, he will lose out.”
“That he had the chance in the last minute to score the winning goal… I couldn’t have written the scenario much better. Now he can sleep a little better.”
He understands his striker. And admonishes him not to change his character.
“Lukaku is a boy with a big heart. Very sensitive, very emotional. When he missed that penalty, his heart and soul cried,” concluded Mourinho.
