Jose Mourinho apologizes to PSG loanee Renato Sanches for subbing him off after just 18 mins: “I’m sorry”

Renato Sanches fell victim to one of Jose Mourinho’s trademark maneuvers as the Portuguese midfielder was subbed off within minutes after getting subbed in. Sanches, who is on loan from Paris Saint Germain was left shocked and in disbelief as he was subbed off, without any injury, in the 63rd minute after only entering the field in the second half.

Mourinho, after the game, did apologize to Renato Sanches for his decision and said that it was a tough call to take. Roma visited Bologna with a hope to enter the top four of the Serie A table, only to be beaten 2-0, leaving Mourinho frustrated with the result as Roma sit seventh in the league. However, it was Mourinho’s decision for Sanches that stole the headlines.

Jose Mourinho apologizes to Renato Sanches

Just days after taking a cheeky shot at Pep Guardiola and the Spanish manager’s apology to Kalvin Phillips for his treatment, Jose Mourinho pulled a very similar move on Renato Sanches on Sunday. Mourinho decided to take Sanches off after 18 minutes of playing time, and later apologized for the same in front of the press.

Renato Sanches was seen to be baffled and confused when his number went up in the fourth official’s board, as he was neither injured, nor booked in the game. 

Mourinho, in his post match press conference, said his sorry to Sanches by stating, “I want to publicly apologize to Renato Sanches, it’s very hard for a footballer, but it’s also hard for a coach, I’ve done it 3-4 times in my career and it’s not easy”.

Renato Sanches performances this season

It has been a season to forget for Sanches, as he has been under the medical team, injured, for the majority of the time. His unavailability, coupled with Houssem Aouar’s injury, has given a lot of problems to Roma, leaving Mourinho scratching his head.

Since Sanches’ arrival on loan from Paris Saint Germain, his relationship with the Portuguese manager has been cold and unfriendly. Mourinho previously called out and criticized Sanches for his fitness, as the midfielder has been injured for most of the season.

Sanches has played only 117 minutes in Serie A, appearing in five games, and starting just once. In all competitions, Sanches has played only nine games, and has failed to complete any of them. The former Bayern Munich midfielder has scored only one goal, and has not registered any assist yet.

Renato Sanches, who was once one of the most expensive teenagers in the world, has always been haunted by fitness issues. His spells in Bayern and PSG being evidence for his injuries, the 26-year-old seems to be cursed as his Roma career also looks uncertain.

Will Renato Sanches ever be able to fulfill his potential? Comment what do you think of the player’s future.