Self-described "Special One" Jose Mourinho is no stranger to playing mind games, especially after a big clash, and the Portuguese tactician is at it once again ahead of this weekend's Derby della Capitale.
Mourinho, who's back in Italy for a second spell as he's now in charge of Roma, will be facing Maurizio Sarri's Lazio on Sunday. The Giallorossi and the Aquile are presently one point and one table place apart, with Roma sitting in sixth spot on 48 points while Lazio rest in fifth with 49.
It's a very busy week for Roma, who were in action in European competition as they drew Vitesse 1-1, and Mourinho couldn't help but make a snarky jab towards Sarri's Lazio side, who aren't featuring in any other competitions besides Serie A this season.
"Obviously, I am not happy that we played today with many players who will also have to be there on Sunday, while tonight Lazio are home smoking cigarettes with Sarri, but it's because Vitesse are really good!" he noted in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.
In a clear reference to Sarri, who has been famously seen puffing away on the sidelines and is a well-known heavy smoker, Mourinho added:
"[Right] now Sarri is at home smoking his cigarette while I go home trying to think how we can recover from this for Sunday..."
It'll be interesting to see if Sarri does even bother to respond, or if he'll just brush it aside as he looks to rally his team to victory here. Fourth place isn't out of reach, but both Lazio and Roma will need to do much more if they want to have a shot at overtaking Juventus and securing Champions League football for next season.
