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Gab Marcotti discusses Roma’s decision to share tactics with Jose Mourinho. (2:43)
Jose Mourinho has left Serie A club Roma with immediate effect, the team announced on Tuesday, signing the club’s full-back Daniele De Rossi as an interim replacement until the end of the season.
Mourinho’s contract was set to expire at the end of the season but, following Sunday’s 3-1 loss to AC Milan and with the club ninth in Serie A, the owners and coach parted ways.
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It brings an end to Mourinho’s spell at the club, which started in May 2021 and saw him win the Europa Conference League title in 2022 and reach the Europa League final last season.
“We would like to thank Jose on behalf of all of us in Rome for his fans and effort since he arrived at the club,” said Dan and Ryan Friedkin.
“We will have good memories of his time at Roma, but we believe that a quick replacement is the most productive thing for the club. We wish Jose and his assistants all the best in their long-term endeavors. “
Mourinho’s three years at Roma culminated in a Europa Conference League victory over Feyenoord in Tirana. It is their first trophy in 11 years in their first European final since 1991.
But after a complicated 2023-24 season, the straw that broke the camel’s back turns out to be the defeat to Milan this weekend. This came after poor form when Roma were knocked out of the Coppa Italia by local rivals Lazio on January 10 and have only controlled one win. but last week he reiterated his commitment to the club. “I’ve been here for two years and five months and I’m the only user here who hasn’t missed any educational consultations at that time. “” Mourinho said. For me there is no sickness or bad mood.
“For two and a half years I haven’t done anything wrong, not even a few weeks ago when everyone was sick. I am in no way satisfied that my professionalism and dignity, my focus for this work, can be questioned. If there’s a better example of professionalism, it’s me. I’ve never missed a game in more than 20 years of my career. “
Mourinho joined Roma in 2021 after a career that saw him manage FC Porto, Chelsea (twice), Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Tottenham. He accepted the assignment at Roma 15 days after being sacked by Spurs.
Since Mourinho joined the league, no one in Serie A has received more red cards than the five directed at the Portuguese coach. His struggles with the Italian leaders were well documented: Mourinho even used a microphone against Monza. last May in an attempt to “protect themselves. “
One of his last acts in Rome to compare himself to Harry Potter.
“The Roma fans are the greatest I’ve ever seen in my life,” Mourinho said. “Their coach is Jose ‘Harry Potter’ Mourinho, and he generates expectations. “
Mourinho’s replacement, De Rossi, will take part in his first match on Saturday against Verona at the Olimpico.
“We are delighted to be able to entrust the control of AS Roma to Daniele De Rossi, as we believe that the leadership and ambition that he has shown at all times can prove decisive in achieving the team’s objectives until the end of the season. “, said the owners when pronouncing the lease.
“We were aware of Daniele’s unbreakable bond with the club, but his enthusiasm to accept this role over the next few months further convinced us of his ability to be an advisor to the players and a proud representative of the club’s values. “
De Rossi spent 18 years at Roma as a player, graduating from the club’s academy before making 616 first-team appearances, scoring goals.
The 40-year-old was part of Roberto Mancini’s coaching staff when Italy won the European Championship in 2021, before taking charge of Serie B side SPAL from October 2022 to February 2023.
“I don’t know any other way than dedication, sacrifice and everything I have to face the demanding situations that await us between now and the end of the season,” said De Rossi.
“The excitement of being able to sit on our bench is indescribable. Everyone knows what Roma means to me. However, the work that awaits us all has already taken precedence.”