Roma has parted ways with manager Jose Mourinho, terminating his contract following a series of unsatisfactory results in Serie A. The decision comes after a recent 3-1 loss to AC Milan, marking the second defeat in five days and a disappointing Coppa Italia quarterfinal loss to Lazio.
Mourinho, appointed in May 2021, led Roma to a sixth-placed finish in Serie A and secured UEFA Europa Conference League success in the 2021/22 season. However, a recent string of underwhelming performances prompted the club’s hierarchy to make an “immediate change” in the best interests of the team.
In an official statement on January 16, Roma president Dan Friedkin and his son Ryan expressed gratitude for Mourinho’s passion and efforts during his tenure. The decision was made following discussions with chief executive Lina Souloukou after the defeat in Milan. Roma currently sits ninth in the Serie A table, four points away from European qualification places and five points from securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season.
Mourinho’s track record includes 26 club trophies won across his managerial career, starting with Porto in 2003 and extending through successful spells with Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester United. Despite the recent challenges, Roma thanked Mourinho for his contributions, sharing a photo of him with the trophy won during his time with the club.
As Roma looks to the future, the club faces a two-legged playoff in February against Feyenoord, the team they defeated in the Europa Conference League final, to progress to the round of 16. The focus now shifts to rebuilding and pursuing success under new leadership.
Trophies won with Porto
| Trophy | Season |
|---|---|
| Primeira Liga | 2002-03 |
| Taca de Portugal | 2002-03 |
| Supertaca Candido de Oliveira | 2003 |
| UEFA Cup | 2002-03 |
| Primeira Liga | 2003-04 |
| UEFA Champions League | 2003-04 |
Trophies won with Chelsea
| Trophy | Season |
|---|---|
| Carabao Cup | 2004-05 |
| Premier League | 2004-05 |
| FA Community Shield | 2005 |
| Premier League | 2005-06 |
| Carabao Cup | 2006-07 |
| FA Cup | 2006-07 |
| Carabao Cup | 2014-15 |
| Premier League | 2014-15 |
Trophies won with Inter Milan
| Trophy | Season |
|---|---|
| Supercoppa Italiana | 2008 |
| Serie A | 2008-09 |
| Coppa Italia | 2009-10 |
| Serie A | 2009-10 |
| UEFA Champions League | 2009-10 |
Trophies won with Real Madrid
| Trophy | Season |
|---|---|
| Copa del Rey | 2010-11 |
| La Liga | 2011-12 |
| Supercopa de Espana | 2012 |
Trophies won with Manchester United
| Trophy | Season |
|---|---|
| FA Community Shield | 2016 |
| Carabao Cup | 2016-17 |
| UEFA Europa League | 2016-17 |
Trophies won with AS Roma
| Trophy | Season |
|---|---|
| UEFA Conference League | 2022 |
Mourinho trophies, record, form with Roma
Nine months after the Friedkins took over Roma with a $700 million (£553.7 million) acquisition, they made a significant statement by appointing Mourinho. Despite his previous dismissal from Tottenham in April 2021, marking his third Premier League sacking in six years, Mourinho’s reputation still carried weight.
Roma secured a 1-0 victory over Feyenoord in the Europa Conference League final with Nicolo Zaniolo’s 32nd-minute goal. While they led in last season’s Europa League final, they eventually lost on penalties to Sevilla. Mourinho’s first season saw Roma reach the Europa League semifinals but face a defeat to Manchester United.
Tammy Abraham, Mourinho’s first major signing, emerged as the top scorer with 27 goals in all competitions in the initial season. However, Roma faced challenges, including a run of nine defeats in 18 Serie A games followed by a 12-match unbeaten streak.
In the second season, Abraham struggled, and Roma finished with the fewest goals among the top nine teams. Paulo Dybala, signed on a free transfer, top-scored with 18 goals, and Roma finished second in the Europa League group stage. Their journey to the final included victories over Real Sociedad, Feyenoord, and Bayer Leverkusen.
After their recent loss at the San Siro, Andrea Belotti, the lone Roma representative, expressed the team’s sentiment of hitting rock bottom. Belotti highlighted the absence of key players like Dybala and stressed the need for a change in approach to climb the table.
Mourinho, known for his fiery personality, faced criticism and touchline bans during his tenure. Despite his contract running until June 2024, his departure marks a significant shift for Roma. The team is optimistic about rebounding with the potential they possess, aiming for an upward trajectory in the league standings.
Jose Mourinho waited outside to call Anthony Taylor a 'f*cking crook' 😳 pic.twitter.com/0BrQfTZL9x
— GOAL (@goal) June 1, 2023
Mourinho recently faced consequences for his outspoken behavior during a matchday, resulting in a £43,000 ($55,000) fine. This incident occurred after he confronted referee Anthony Taylor in a car park, using explicit language to express his dissatisfaction following the 2022/23 Europa League final. The incident earned Mourinho a four-match ban in European competitions, and he also received a £17,000 ($22,000) fine for questioning referee Matteo Marcenaro’s “emotional stability” in December.
As Roma moves forward, they anticipate providing further updates on their coaching staff shortly. Speculation in Italy suggests that club legend Daniele De Rossi is the frontrunner for the managerial position.
De Rossi, a 2006 World Cup winner with Italy as a midfielder, enjoyed a successful playing career with Roma from 2001 to 2019, winning three trophies. He later served as an assistant to Roberto Mancini during Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph. De Rossi ventured into club management with Serie B side SPAL in October 2022, but his tenure was short-lived as he was relieved of his duties four months later with the club positioned 18th in the table.
