Twist: the Roma coach from next season will no longer be Paulo Fonseca (and this was already undisputed), but Maurizio Sarri will not arrive in his place, as now taken for granted by all the press, but the Portuguese Jose Mourinho. In short, from one Portuguese to another on the Roma bench, thanks to the fact that the sporting director, Tiago Pinto, is also Portuguese. And the shareholders rejoiced: after the news, the Giallorossi stock gained almost 20% in Piazza Affari.
Mourinho is one of the most successful international coaches of the last twenty years, even if in recent years his charisma and above all his results seem to have tarnished a bit: in fact, he has not won a European trophy since the Europa League won with Manchester United in 2017, and the last experience on the Tottenham bench was disappointing to the point of ending with a sacking in the middle of the season. However, for Friedkin's Roma it is an important blow and above all a paradigm shift: after having pursued the policy of results through play and possibly a long-term project, with the Portuguese coach the aim is rather to win immediately, aiming on the experience of both the coach himself and the players he will presumably ask for on the transfer market.
Mourinho has been missing from the Italian championship for 11 years, that is since the spring of 2010, when he conquered the historic treble on the Inter bench. A coincidence that in these days the Nerazzurri are back to winning something: the last time it was with Mou on the bench. The coach, who is Portuguese like the one he will replace, has signed for the 2021-2022 season until June 30, 2024. "We are delighted and excited to welcome José Mourinho to the AS Roma family," they said. President Dan Friedkin and Vice President Ryan Friedkin -. José is a star player who has won trophies at every level and will provide tremendous leadership and experience for our ambitious project. José's signing represents a big step forward in building a solid and lasting winning mentality in our Club”.
"I thank the Friedkin family for choosing me to lead this great club and for making me part of their vision," Mourinho said. After talking with the owners and with Tiago Pinto, I immediately understood how high the ambition of this club is. This aspiration and drive are the same ones that have always motivated me and together we want to build a winning path in the years to come. The incredible passion of the Roma fans convinced me to accept the job and I can't wait to start next season. At the same time, I wish Paulo Fonseca the best of luck and ask the media to understand that he will only make statements in due course. Come on Rome!”.
