It’s all over the press (BBC) once again José Mourinho’s is sacked. His journey with AS Roma, spanning almost 930 days, was a tale of triumphs, challenges, and ultimately, a bittersweet farewell. Hired in the summer of 2021 after his departure from Tottenham Hotspur, Mourinho embarked on his 10th full-time managerial role, aiming to guide Serie A’s first representatives in the inaugural Europa Conference League. The sacking was José Mourinho’s fourth consecutive sacking confirmed yesterday,
His arrival brought immediate success, as Roma clinched the Europa Conference League with a 1-0 win over Feyenoord, marking Mourinho’s sixth European final. The triumph, coupled with his emotional post-match tears, added credibility to the newly established competition. It was a momentous occasion that Mourinho cherished, even commemorating it with a tattoo, symbolising the love he felt from the Roman public.
Roma Breaching FFP Regulations
Despite financial limitations restricting significant signings due to the risk of breaching Financial Fair Play regulations, Roma managed notable acquisitions like Romelu Lukaku, Renato Sanches, and Houssem Aouar. The Serie A season, however, started on shaky ground, with Roma languishing in 16th place after six games. Mourinho defiantly declared himself not the problem, citing rejected coaching offers just months prior.
While domestic results fluctuated, Europe offered respite. Roma secured a spot in the round of 16 of the Europa League, rekindling hopes of continental success. Yet, Mourinho’s flair for the dramatic extended beyond the pitch, with notable incidents like being sent off for crying gestures during a win over 10-man Monza.
The Most Red Carded Manager
The turning point arrived with a run of one win in six matches, dropping Roma to ninth in Serie A. Disciplinary issues persisted, with Mourinho receiving back-to-back red cards. The Coppa Italia exit to arch-rivals Lazio added to the woes, leading to his final match as Roma’s manager, which he watched from the stands.
Roma supporters have long stood by José Mourinho despite recent challenges, including disciplinary issues and a series of less-than-ideal results. The Stadio Olimpico, consistently packed with devoted fans, maintained unwavering loyalty to Mourinho. His earlier successes, guiding Roma to consecutive European cup finals and securing the Europa Conference League, endeared him to the fanbase. Despite falling short in the Europa League final last season, where they narrowly missed out on victory, the emotional connection persisted.
In May’s Europa Conference League final, after a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss, Mourinho displayed his emotional side. Gathering his players for a poignant huddle on the pitch, he conveyed a message of unity and commitment. This moment captured the essence of Mourinho’s connection with Roma, transcending mere victories and defeats.
The End of Mourinho?
While recent months witnessed a shift in sentiments, characterised by a less favourable trajectory in results, the enduring support from the sold-out Stadio Olimpico underlines the lasting impact Mourinho had on the club. Even as his tenure concluded, marked by disciplinary challenges and a Coppa Italia exit, the loyalty and forgiveness from the fanbase underscore the enduring legacy Mourinho leaves behind at AS Roma.
In the aftermath, Roma acknowledged Mourinho’s passion and commitment but emphasised the necessity of immediate change for the club’s best interests. While the departure signified the end of a turbulent chapter, Mourinho’s impact on Roma transcends statistics. The enduring connections forged with fans and players, coupled with memorable triumphs, ensure his legacy at Roma remains indelible.
It may be unlikely he will return to the UK but certainly he will be wanted by European Clubs who still regard him as a manager that can galvanise a team and has a fantastic cup record. His league performance have dipped however leaving lRoma ninth, Tottenham Hotspur seventh, Manchester United sixth and Chelsea 16th. However what about Newcastle? Eddie Howe is not having a good time and may now be under pressure.
