Rene Otinga

updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:16 PM

• Mourinho did not have kind words for the Australia manager Graham Arnold , who is desperate to have Cristian Volpato in his World Cup squad
• Cristian Volpato, 18, made headlines this week after refusing to accept the call up to the Australia national team heading to Qatar
• He has been impressive for Jose Mourinho on club level with AS Roma, and Arnold reportedly called him three times to try to convince him

Roma boss Jose Mourinho recently aimed a subtle dig at Australian manager Graham Arnold for his actions in a frantic attempt to get Cristian Volpato into his World Cup squad.

Volpato sensationally turned down the chance to represent Australia in the World Cup, and he explained his decision on Wednesday, November 9, saying it was a bit premature for him to make such a huge call.

The dilemma for the Sydney-born midfielder revolves around the fact that he is at liberty to declare his allegiance to Italy, who are not in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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As reported on Daily Mail, Volpato qualifies to represent Italy through his parents.

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Mourinho’s take

In the hours leading up to the squad announcement, Australia manager Arnold reportedly spoke to the youngster three times in a last-ditch attempt to get him to play for the nation.

Mourinho weighed in on the saga, as he criticized the manner in which Arnold was handling the situation.

'I think it is a personal decision and the club has not been involved,' The Roma boss said, via FoxSports.

'As a coach, for example, I would refuse to call up a player, even a young one, in a situation like that.

Mourinho went on to say Volpato was at a development phase of his career, and ‘he has to focus on building his future and not on certain decisions where maybe someone else wants to accelerate a process that should not be sped up.'

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Jose Mourinho slams unnamed player

Elsewhere, Sports Brief also reported on Mourinho’s criticism of an unnamed player after Roma’s 1-1 draw vs Sassuolo.

Roma looked to be on course for victory after Tammy Abraham scored his first Serie A goal since September as he awaits his first England call-up with a brilliant header in the 80th minute.

However, it was Sassuolo who had the last laugh as Andrea Pinamonti scored five minutes later from a swift counterattack for the game to end in a 1-1 draw.

The former Chelsea boss brutally criticized an unnamed player, saying his efforts betrayed the whole team.