Ivan Juric is set to become the successor to Daniele De Rossi at AS Roma. De Rossi was relieved of his duties as head coach on Wednesday.
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Ivan Juric, a manager with a reputation for revitalizing teams, is on the verge of being appointed as AS Roma's new head coach, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Juric, currently without a club, has been in talks with Roma to succeed Daniele De Rossi, who was recently dismissed following a series of poor results. Juric's experience in Serie A spans three successful seasons at Torino, where he managed to stabilize the club and ensure mid-table finishes despite limited resources. Prior to that, he made his mark at Hellas Verona and Genoa, both clubs where he implemented a high-pressing, aggressive style of play.
Juric's candidacy has reportedly been a top priority for Roma’s management. The club has been looking for a coach who can instill discipline and tactical clarity into a squad that has struggled for consistency. On a shortlist of three names, Juric stood out alongside heavyweight candidates such as Thomas Tuchel, the former Bayern Munich coach, and Edin Terzic, who had just completed a season with Borussia Dortmund. While Tuchel and Terzic are more well-known on the European stage, Roma’s board seems to be leaning toward Juric, appreciating his familiarity with Serie A and his track record of squeezing out the best from underperforming teams.
The decision to part ways with De Rossi, a beloved figure at the club both as a player and manager, was not taken lightly. De Rossi, who took over the reins in a turbulent period, found himself under immense pressure as Roma’s results faltered. The club had hoped that his intimate knowledge of Roma’s culture and his leadership qualities would translate into success on the pitch, but inconsistent performances left the board with little choice.
Roma icon Francesco Totti, a long-time teammate of De Rossi and someone who understands the pressures of the club’s demanding environment, had voiced concerns about his friend’s situation even before the official announcement of his dismissal. In an interview with Il Messaggero, Totti reflected on the inevitable scapegoating of De Rossi, stating, "Daniele is the lightning rod and he is the one who would pay the price, but I repeat, he knows everyone and everything well." Totti’s comments underlined the deep bond between himself and De Rossi, two legends who have seen the club through both glorious and difficult times. His remarks also suggested that the issues at Roma go beyond just the head coach, pointing to larger structural problems that have hampered the team’s progress.
The search for De Rossi’s successor has been swift, with Roma eager to steady the ship and refocus on their ambitions in Serie A and European competition. Juric's pragmatic style, which emphasizes defensive solidity and relentless work ethic, aligns with Roma’s need for stability. His success at clubs like Torino and Hellas Verona, where he managed to overachieve despite limited resources, has made him an attractive option for Roma, a club that craves a return to the upper echelons of Italian football.
As the club looks to the future, Juric’s appointment could signal a shift in Roma’s approach. His ability to cultivate a cohesive team and extract the best from players who may not necessarily be stars is exactly what the club needs after a period of underachievement. With a talented squad that includes the likes of Paulo Dybala, Tammy Abraham, and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Juric will have the tools to mold a competitive team if given the chance.
While the shadow of De Rossi’s departure still lingers, the appointment of a coach like Juric may provide Roma with the fresh start they desperately need. Fans will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds and whether Juric can bring the same fighting spirit that has characterized his teams in the past. As the club moves forward, the hope will be that Roma can finally realize its potential and return to the heights that both the supporters and the club’s legends have long envisioned.
