Feyenoord will face a different coach at Europa League opponent AS Roma. José Mourinho has been immediately dismissed by the Italian club.
Embed from Getty Images
The decision to part ways with José Mourinho comes in the wake of a series of disappointing results for AS Roma, culminating in a recent 3-1 defeat to AC Milan and a 1-0 loss to Lazio in the Italian Cup.
These setbacks have left the club in a precarious position, currently standing ninth in Serie A, a ranking that falls short of the expectations for a club of Roma's stature.
The club's performance in the Europa League, where they finished second in their group, two points behind Slavia Prague, has not been enough to secure Mourinho's position. This performance, while respectable, indicates a struggle to dominate in European competitions, a standard often expected from a club with Roma's resources and ambitions.
In a press release, Dan and Ryan Friedkin, the owners of AS Roma, expressed their gratitude towards Mourinho for his commitment and passion since joining the club. They emphasized the value of his leadership but also acknowledged the necessity for immediate change to align with the club's long-term interests. This statement reflects a recognition of Mourinho's contributions but also a clear vision for a new direction.
Mourinho's tenure at Roma, beginning in the summer of 2021, had its moments of success, notably outperforming Feyenoord in the Conference League final in 2022 and the Europa League quarterfinals in 2023. Despite these achievements, the overall trajectory of the team under his leadership has not met the high standards expected.
The upcoming matches between Roma and Feyenoord on February 15 and 22 in the Europa League knockout round will now be under the guidance of a new coach, marking a significant shift in the team's strategy and approach.
Mourinho's extensive and illustrious career has seen him at the helm of several top clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Chelsea (twice), Real Madrid, Internazionale, FC Porto, UniãoLeiria, and Benfica. Each tenure has been marked by his unique style and approach, often bringing success but also controversy and debate. His time at Roma has been his tenth major coaching role, and like his previous positions, it has been a blend of highs and lows, reflective of the dynamic and challenging nature of top-level football management.
The departure of Mourinho from Roma signals a new era for the club, as they seek to rebuild and reposition themselves both in the Italian league and on the European stage. The decision, while difficult, underscores the club's commitment to pursuing success and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of global football.
