‘Hardened overnight’ Mourinho successor is ‘club legend’ De Rossi

AS Roma legend Daniele De Rossi, 41, is back.

AS Roma officially announced the appointment of Daniele De Rossi as José Mourinho’s successor on the club’s official website on Saturday. The contract runs until June 30, 2024.

Earlier that same day, the club announced the parting of ways with Mourinho, saying, “Jose Mourinho is leaving Roma.”

Mourinho, who left Tottenham Hotspur in 2021, took charge of AS Roma in May 2021. He led the club to the UEFA Europa Conference title in the 2021-2022 season.

However, Mourinho’s Roma did not have an easy season. In 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, they finished sixth in the league, but as of 2023-2024, they have only won eight games in 20 league matches. Their league position is 9th. In terms of points, this is their worst record after 20 rounds since the 2002-2003 season.

Roma president Dan Friedkin and his son Ryan Friedkin bid farewell to Mourinho, saying, “On behalf of Roma, we thank Mourinho for the passion and hard work he has shown since taking the helm.”

“We will always cherish the fond memories of his tenure, but we believe that an immediate change is the best option for the club,” they said.

“We wish Mourinho and his coaching staff the best of luck,” they added.

Shortly after Mourinho’s parting of ways with Roma was officially announced, Italy’s Get Football News reported, “More details have emerged about the circumstances behind Mourinho’s sacking. ‘La Gazzetta dello Sport’ reported that the decision to sack Mourinho was made overnight by president Friedkin.”

“Daniele De Rossi is expected to return to Roma shortly after Mourinho’s decision,” reported Roma Press, which focuses on Roma news, adding that “De Rossi is currently the favorite to replace Mourinho.”

Things moved quickly. Roma immediately announced De Rossi’s appointment.

“After spending 18 years as a player at Roma, De Rossi will return to the club as head coach for the upcoming match against Elas Verona on May 21,” the club said.

Friedkin added: “We have always believed that De Rossi’s leadership and ambition can play a decisive role in achieving our goals. We are delighted to hand over the reins to him. We welcome him home.”

De Rossi said: “I would like to thank Mr. Friedkin for entrusting me with the role of coach of Roma. I will dedicate myself, sacrifice and give everything I have to face the challenges that await us until the end of the season,” he said.

He added: “I feel the excitement of being able to sit on the Roma bench. Everyone knows what Roma means to me,” he added.

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