The sudden sacking of Daniele De Rossi by AS Roma’s board has sent shockwaves through the club and its passionate fanbase. De Rossi, a club legend who had only recently signed a contract extension, was dismissed after just four Serie A matches this season. The decision, made by owner Dan Friedkin, has sparked outrage among fans and caused unrest in the locker room, with senior players like Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gianluca Mancini confronting the club’s executives. As the team prepares for its upcoming match against Udinese, new coach Ivan Jurić has been appointed to steady the ship, but the backlash from Roma supporters is far from over.
In this article, we explore the circumstances surrounding De Rossi’s dismissal, the reaction from the locker room and fans, and the challenges that lie ahead for Jurić and Roma.
De Rossi’s Sudden Sacking: A Shock to the System
Daniele De Rossi’s tenure as Roma’s head coach came to an abrupt end this week, leaving many wondering why a coach who had the backing of both players and fans was let go. De Rossi, a legendary figure at Roma and one of the most beloved players in the club’s history, was seen as the natural successor to carry the club forward. Just three months after signing a contract extension, De Rossi was shown the door by the Roma board, a move described as being made “in the interest of the team.”
Owner Dan Friedkin made the bold decision to part ways with De Rossi after a slow start to the season, despite many within the club and fanbase still having faith in the coach. The decision was swift, with Friedkin immediately bringing in Ivan Jurić to take over the reins until the end of the season.
Locker Room Unrest: Players Demand Answers
De Rossi’s firing didn’t sit well with the Roma players, many of whom considered him a mentor and a figurehead for the club’s future. According to reports from Il Corriere dello Sport, senior players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gianluca Mancini had a heated confrontation with Roma’s executives after the sacking, demanding explanations for the decision.
Both players reportedly asked why De Rossi had been dismissed so suddenly, especially given that the club had consulted players like Paulo Dybala and Leandro Paredes earlier in the week about their opinions of the coach. According to reports, the majority of the squad, including Dybala and Paredes, had voiced their support for De Rossi, making the sacking even more puzzling.
Pellegrini and Mancini’s confrontation reflects the discontent in the locker room, as many players were reportedly shocked by the decision. De Rossi, a symbol of the club much like Francesco Totti, was respected not only for his coaching but also for his deep connection to the Roma ethos. The players’ disappointment has cast a shadow over the team as they prepare for their next Serie A match.
Ivan Jurić Appointed as New Coach
Just as quickly as De Rossi was fired, Roma wasted no time in promoting a new coach. Ivan Jurić, a well-known figure in Italian football with experience coaching Torino and Hellas Verona, was brought in to take over until the end of the season. While Jurić has a strong reputation for tactical acumen, his appointment comes at a time of upheaval at Roma, and he faces an uphill battle to win over both the players and the fans.
Jurić’s first task will be to lead Roma in their upcoming fixture against Udinese. The team has endured a mixed start to the season, and all eyes will be on how the new coach handles the pressure of stepping into De Rossi’s shoes. The club’s decision to make such a swift coaching change will be scrutinized in the coming weeks, particularly if results don’t improve.
Fan Backlash: Organized Protests at Stadio Olimpico
Perhaps the most vocal opposition to De Rossi’s sacking has come from the Roma fans, particularly the ultra groups in the Curva Sud. Known for their fierce loyalty to club icons like De Rossi and Totti, the ultras were quick to respond to the board’s decision, organizing protests ahead of the upcoming match against Udinese.
In a statement released by the Curva Sud, fans were urged to participate in a protest by remaining outside the stadium for the first 30 minutes of the match. “The moment has arrived to make our voices heard,” the statement read. “The Curva Sud invites all fans from any sector to participate in the protest, which will see the entire Curva Sud remain out of the stadium for the first half-hour of the match.”
This protest, while not a complete boycott, will see fans desert the stands during the traditional pre-match warm-up and the singing of the club anthem. The fans hope that their actions will send a strong message to the Roma board, expressing their dissatisfaction with the treatment of De Rossi. It remains to be seen how many other sections of the Stadio Olimpico will join the protest, but the potential for large empty sections during the first half of the match is a clear sign of the fans’ frustration.
The Legacy of Daniele De Rossi
For many Roma supporters, Daniele De Rossi is more than just a former player and coach—he is a symbol of the club’s soul. Much like his predecessor Francesco Totti, De Rossi represents loyalty, passion, and a deep connection to the club’s identity. His firing, just months after signing a contract extension, has left many fans feeling betrayed by the Roma board.
De Rossi’s legacy at the club spans over two decades, having made more than 600 appearances for Roma as a player and later transitioning into a coaching role. His firing, particularly in the wake of poor results after just four matches, feels abrupt and unfair to many who had hoped that he would lead Roma into a new era of success.
Looking Ahead: The Road for Roma Under Jurić
As the dust settles from De Rossi’s departure, Ivan Jurić will now look to steady the ship at Roma. His immediate challenge will be managing a squad that may be emotionally affected by the recent developments while also improving results on the pitch. The match against Udinese will be Jurić’s first test as he attempts to bring stability and a winning mentality to the team.
Roma’s fans, particularly those in the Curva Sud, will be watching closely, and their support for the new coach may depend on how the team performs in the coming weeks. Should Jurić manage to turn the season around, he could win over the doubters. However, if the team continues to struggle, the decision to fire De Rossi will likely remain a contentious issue for both the locker room and the fanbase.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins Amid Unrest
The sacking of Daniele De Rossi has left AS Roma in a state of unrest, both on and off the pitch. While Ivan Jurić takes over as coach, he inherits a team dealing with the emotional fallout of losing a club legend. Fans have organized protests, and players have voiced their dissatisfaction with the decision, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty around the club.
As Roma prepares for their next match, the success of Jurić’s tenure and the response of the fans will be pivotal in determining how this chapter in the club’s history unfolds. For now, the memory of Daniele De Rossi will loom large over Stadio Olimpico, and the club must navigate this delicate moment with care.
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