Jose Mourinho’s turbulent and trophy-laden tenure at AS Roma came to an abrupt end on Tuesday, as the club announced his dismissal with immediate effect. The decision came after a series of poor results, including a humiliating defeat by arch-rivals Lazio in the Coppa Italia and a lacklustre loss to Milan in Serie A.
Mourinho, who joined Roma in 2021, had initially brought some excitement and optimism to the Giallorossi, leading them to their first silverware in 14 years by winning the Europa Conference League in 2022. He also reached the final of the Europa League last season, where his side lost on penalties to Sevilla.
However, the Portuguese coach soon found himself under pressure and criticism, as his team struggled to keep up with the pace and quality of the top teams in Italy.
Mourinho’s defensive and pragmatic style of play clashed with Roma’s attacking and passionate identity, and his controversial and confrontational personality alienated some of the players and fans.
Mourinho also had several run-ins with the referees and the authorities, getting sent off on multiple occasions and receiving fines and bans for his comments and gestures. His relationship with the media and the public deteriorated, as he often blamed external factors for his team’s failures and refused to take responsibility or admit his mistakes.
Roma’s owners, Dan and Ryan Friedkin, who had appointed Mourinho with high hopes and expectations, finally lost their patience and faith in him, and decided to pull the plug on his project. They have now turned to club legend and former captain Daniele De Rossi, who will take over as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
De Rossi, who was the assistant of Roberto Mancini with the Italian national team and coached in the Italian second division at SPAL during the 2022-23 season, is expected to bring some fresh air and enthusiasm to the dressing room and the stands.
He will also try to restore Roma’s identity and values, and guide them to a respectable finish in the league and a good performance in the Europa League, where they will face Feyenoord in the round of 32.
The end of the Mourinho era marks another chapter in the turbulent and fascinating history of AS Roma, a club that never ceases to surprise and entertain. Whether De Rossi will be the man to lead them to glory, or whether he will be another victim of the high expectations and demands of the Romanisti, remains to be seen.
