In a surprising turn of events, José Mourinho has officially left Roma, bringing an abrupt end to his time at the club. Although his contract was set to expire at the end of the season, the disappointing 3-1 defeat to AC Milan over the weekend, coupled with Roma’s underwhelming 9th place position in Serie A, has prompted both the owners and the manager to part ways.
José Mourinho’s tenure at Roma began in May 2021, and although it was relatively short-lived, he managed to lead the team to notable accomplishments. In 2022, Roma secured the Europa Conference League title, finally tasting victory after an 11-year trophy drought and reaching their first European final since 1991. Despite the ups and downs of the 2023-24 season, Mourinho’s final act at Roma was one of success and triumph.
Acknowledging the departure, owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin expressed their gratitude towards Mourinho, stating, “We would like to thank José on behalf of all of us at AS Roma for his passion and efforts since his arrival at the club.” They further added, “We will always have great memories of his tenure at Roma, but we believe that an immediate change is in the best interests of the club. We wish José and his assistants all the best in their future endeavors.”
The defeat to AC Milan at the weekend appeared to be the final straw that led to Mourinho’s departure. Throughout the 2023-24 season, the team faced various setbacks, including elimination from the Coppa Italia by local rivals Lazio on January 10th and a string of unfavorable results in the league, with only one victory in six matches. The consecutive disappointments ultimately culminated in the loss to AC Milan, prompting the owners to seek a change for the betterment of the club.
Ironically, just days before his departure, Mourinho had adamantly asserted his commitment to Roma, defending his professionalism and dedication to the role. He stated, “For me, there are no illnesses or bad moods.” Emphasizing his unwavering dedication, Mourinho highlighted his exceptional attendance record, boasting that he had not missed a single training session throughout his entire two and a half years at Roma. Despite his assertions, it seems his plea fell on deaf ears, with the club deciding to part ways with him shortly after.
José Mourinho’s time at Roma represents just one chapter in his illustrious managerial career. With previous stints at esteemed clubs such as FC Porto, Chelsea (twice), Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Tottenham, Mourinho’s resume speaks volumes about his prowess as a manager. It is worth noting that he joined Roma a mere 15 days after being sacked by Tottenham, further showcasing his determination to return to the managerial arena.
In one of his final statements as Roma’s manager, Mourinho compared the fervent support of the Roma fans to that of the beloved character Harry Potter. Clearly, the passion and dedication of the supporters had resonated with him during his time at the club.
As José Mourinho’s tenure at Roma comes to an unexpected end, it is crucial to reflect on the highs and lows of his time at the club. From securing a long-awaited trophy to enduring a challenging season, Mourinho’s impact cannot be ignored. Whether his departure will lead to a revitalization for Roma or present further challenges remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the legacy of José Mourinho, both at Roma and throughout his managerial career, will continue to be a topic of discussion for years to come.