After a tenure of two and a half years, Roma has parted ways with Jose Mourinho, the former manager of Manchester United.
The decision came amid a lackluster performance, with the club securing only one victory in five Serie A matches. Mourinho’s contract, initially set to conclude in less than six months, was unexpectedly terminated.
Mourinho’s stint at Roma began on a high note in May 2021, ending an 11-year trophy drought for the club by clinching the Europa Conference League title in his first season.
Despite reaching the Europa League final in the 2022–23 season, where they narrowly lost in a penalty shootout, Roma’s Serie A standing has been disappointing, currently placing them in ninth position with 29 points after 20 matches.
The decision to part ways with Mourinho was made following a series of underwhelming performances, culminating in a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in his final game in charge. In a statement, Roma owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin expressed gratitude for Mourinho’s dedication but emphasized the necessity for his immediate departure.
Mourinho took over as Roma manager before the 2021/22 season, succeeding Paulo Fonseca, with the aim of improving the team’s Serie A standing from the previous seventh-place finish.
Notable player acquisitions during his tenure included Matias Vina, Rui Patricio, and Tammy Abraham from Chelsea for £34 million. Mourinho also oversaw the departure of players like Javier Pastore, Edin Dzeko, and Pedro to comply with UEFA Financial Fair Play criteria.
Despite a promising start in his first season, finishing sixth and securing the Europa Conference League, Roma’s recent struggles in Serie A prompted the ownership to make the tough decision.
The club’s journey in the Europa League, where they defeated Red Bull Salzburg, Real Sociedad, and Bayer Leverkusen to reach the final, stands out as a significant accomplishment.
However, last summer’s influx of new players on loan or free transfers, including Evan Ndicka, Renato Sanches, Leandro Parades, and Romelu Lukaku, was driven by financial constraints.
Despite a shaky start to the current season, Roma’s performance had been improving before the recent downturn, and a 1-0 loss to rivals Lazio in the Coppa Italia further compounded their challenges.
Mourinho’s departure marks the end of a chapter for Roma, and the club faces a pivotal moment as they navigate the remainder of the season under new leadership.
The decision to part ways reflects the intricate dynamics of football management, where short-term successes and struggles can shape the trajectory of a team.
