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After showing Jose Mourinho the exit door, AS Roma have now replaced him with former captain and midfield maestro Daniele de Rossi, who takes the reins until the end of the season.
Mourinho's tenure at Roma, which began in May 2021, initially showed promise, notably clinching the Europa Conference League title in his first year and reaching the Europa League final in 2023.
However, the current season has been less than favourable, with Roma sitting ninth in Serie A, a significant distance from the coveted Champions League spots. The recent Coppa Italia defeat to city rivals Lazio only added fuel to the fire, intensifying the pressure on Mourinho.
De Rossi appointed as new manager
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Daniele de Rossi, a club legend, and World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, steps into the managerial hot seat, facing the daunting task of reviving Roma's fortunes. Despite his relatively short managerial career, including a stint at Serie B club SPAL, De Rossi's deep connection with Roma and his reputation as a determined and passionate leader offer a glimmer of hope for the club's future.
Speaking about his appointment, De Rossi said: "The emotion of being able to sit on our bench is indescribable, everyone knows what Roma is for me, but the work that awaits all of us has already taken over.
"We have no time, no choice. Being competitive, fighting for our goals and trying to achieve them are the only priorities that my staff and I have given ourselves."
Roma's owners, Dan and Ryan Friedkin, expressed their faith in De Rossi's leadership and ambition, highlighting the crucial role he will play in chasing the team's objectives for the rest of the season.
"We believe that the leadership and ambition that have always characterised him can be decisive in chasing the objectives that the team has ahead of it until end of the season," said Dan and Ryan Friedkin.
"We knew the indissoluble bond that unites Daniele to the club, but the enthusiasm with which he immediately accepted this challenge... further convinced us of his ability to be a guide for the players and a proud representative of the values of this club."
The end of an era
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Mourinho's departure marks the end of an era characterized by high expectations and intense scrutiny. His comparison of himself to Harry Potter, citing raised expectations for Roma's achievements, and the disappointing start to the current campaign, which saw Roma collect just five points from their first six Serie A matches, all contributed his dismissal.
Roma’s owners thanked the Portuguese "for the passion and commitment he has shown" as manager.
"We will always have great memories of his stewardship, but we believe that, in the best interests of the club, immediate change is necessary," they added in a statement.
The former Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Tottenham boss had previously claimed to have rejected a significant offer to leave Roma last summer, underlining his commitment to the club.
Mourinho's time at Roma will be remembered for its initial success, including securing the club's first major European title, but also for the unfulfilled expectations in his latter days. As for De Rossi, the journey is just beginning, with the Roma faithful eagerly watching to see if this beloved figure can translate his on-field heroics to managerial success.
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