AS Roma’s fans have been left heartbroken by the recent departure of Jose Mourinho, a manager who won their affections during his short-lived tenure at the club. The new head coach, Daniele De Rossi, understands the immense love and adoration the fans had for Mourinho, acknowledging that he himself has reached out to the Portuguese manager. While he recognizes the challenge of stepping into Mourinho’s shoes, De Rossi believes that the fans’ love for him can coexist with their affection for his predecessor.
De Rossi’s appointment by Roma’s American owners, the Friedkins, has been met with mixed reactions from supporters. Many believe that his hiring was an attempt to appease the discontent caused by Mourinho’s sacking. De Rossi is not oblivious to this sentiment, but he firmly rejects the notion that his role is merely to be a soothing presence for the fans. However, he acknowledges that the decision to replace a beloved coach like Mourinho must consider various factors, and he hopes to prove his worth beyond any initial reservations.
As a legendary figure at AS Roma, De Rossi spent 18 years at the club and made a remarkable 616 appearances. He understands the weight of the expectations placed upon him and openly accepts the responsibility that comes with his new position. While he acknowledges that he may not be the obvious choice to lead the team, De Rossi firmly believes that his appointment could have been far more unsettling if another coach had been chosen. He aims to navigate through the challenges ahead, both in the short term and for the long-term success of the team.
De Rossi’s connection with Mourinho extends beyond their shared experiences at AS Roma. The new head coach revealed that he has been in contact with Mourinho and received encouraging messages from the two-time Champions League winner. In fact, Mourinho was among the first to extend his congratulations to De Rossi when he landed his first managerial role at SPAL in 2022. Although De Rossi’s tenure at SPAL was brief and unremarkable, he remains grateful for the support and guidance he received from Mourinho.
Roma currently find themselves in ninth place in Serie A, trailing five points behind Fiorentina in the final Champions League spot. De Rossi acknowledges the challenge that lies ahead but is not content with settling for mediocrity. As the interim head coach, he has set his sights on a top-four finish by the end of the season. While he recognizes the difficulty of achieving this goal, De Rossi remains optimistic about the team’s potential to rise to the occasion and secure a place in the prestigious Champions League.
During negotiations with the Friedkins, De Rossi made it clear that he had one contract stipulation in mind – a bonus in the event of AS Roma qualifying for the Champions League. This provision demonstrates his determination to drive the team towards success and his unwavering belief in their abilities. De Rossi’s commitment to the club’s ambitions further solidifies his position as a leader who will not settle for anything less than the best.
Daniele De Rossi’s appointment as the new head coach of AS Roma marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the club. While acknowledging the immense love the fans had for Jose Mourinho, De Rossi aims to carve his own path and prove himself worthy of this prestigious position. With a clear vision for success and the support of the club and its fans, De Rossi is ready to lead Roma back to their former glory. Only time will tell if he can live up to the expectations placed upon him, but one thing is certain – AS Roma’s future looks promising under De Rossi’s guidance.