The world of football is notoriously unpredictable, but few events shock fans more than the abrupt sacking of a coach. Such is the case with Daniele De Rossi, who was dismissed as Roma’s head coach just three months after signing a contract extension through 2027. The Italian legend, once hailed as the man to stabilize Roma after the departure of José Mourinho, found himself out of a job after only four rounds of the Serie A 2024/25 season.
In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind De Rossi’s sudden dismissal, analyze the broader implications for Roma under US ownership, and explore why this managerial decision shocked the football world.
De Rossi’s Journey to Roma’s Head Coach
After a legendary playing career with Roma, Daniele De Rossi was appointed as the club’s head coach during a difficult time. Following the departure of José Mourinho in the 2023/24 season, Roma’s boardroom saw De Rossi as the perfect candidate to bring stability to a struggling team. His deep ties to the club as a former player and his growing coaching credentials seemed like the right combination for long-term success.
In his debut season, De Rossi succeeded in steadying the ship, guiding the Giallorossi to a Europa League qualification. Fans were hopeful that De Rossi, with his knowledge of the club’s culture and the experience he gained during his playing days, could bring a new era of success. His contract extension until 2027 seemed to affirm Roma’s confidence in his leadership.
Roma’s Struggles in the 2024/25 Season
Unfortunately for De Rossi, the 2024/25 Serie A season didn’t begin as planned. Despite his efforts, Roma found themselves struggling after four rounds of play. The team had not won a single match, managing only two goals in the process. The promising season quickly turned sour, and the pressure mounted on both the coach and the club’s boardroom to make changes.
De Rossi’s firing came after Roma’s 1-1 draw with Genoa, a match where the Giallorossi once again failed to secure a much-needed win. Despite his post-match optimism, where De Rossi said, “I believe that I have earned the right to remain the coach,” it became clear that the Roma leadership did not share his confidence. Three days after the match, De Rossi’s tenure came to an abrupt end.
The Role of US Ownership in Roma’s Decision
One of the major talking points surrounding De Rossi’s dismissal is the role of Roma’s US owners, led by Dan Friedkin. Over the past few years, American ownership in European football has come under scrutiny for making rash decisions that seem disconnected from the sport’s traditions. This pattern has been observed in other American-owned clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Lyon, where managerial changes are frequent and often seen as reactionary.
Friedkin’s decision to sack De Rossi just three months after extending his contract reflects this broader trend. Many fans and pundits argue that the owners have shown little patience, dismissing coaches at the first sign of trouble rather than giving them time to develop long-term projects. In De Rossi’s case, the decision to part ways came early in the season, raising questions about whether he was given a fair chance to turn the team’s fortunes around.
BREAKING: AS Roma have sacked the manager Daniele de Rossi.
After 3 points in 4 games, de Rossi has been fired by Roma owners Friedkin family. pic.twitter.com/c9J8CNLDPY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 18, 2024
What Went Wrong for De Rossi?
Several factors contributed to De Rossi’s downfall, even though his tenure seemed promising at the start.
1. Poor Results
The most immediate cause of his sacking was Roma’s poor results at the beginning of the 2024/25 season. After four Serie A rounds, the team had yet to secure a victory and scored just two goals. In an era where results are the ultimate measure of success, De Rossi’s inability to deliver early wins left the boardroom with little confidence in his ability to lead the team forward.
2. Lack of Offensive Power
Roma’s offensive struggles were also a significant factor in De Rossi’s dismissal. The team lacked firepower in the attack, and despite signing key players like Artem Dovbyk, they struggled to score. In the high-stakes environment of Serie A, where fans expect immediate results, Roma’s inability to create goals was a red flag for the management.
3. Pressure from Ownership
As mentioned earlier, the US ownership’s impatience likely played a role in De Rossi’s firing. Under Dan Friedkin, the boardroom appeared eager to make drastic changes at the first sign of trouble. Despite De Rossi’s previous success in securing Europa League qualification, the ownership was unwilling to give him more time to rectify the team’s form.
De Rossi’s Future After Roma
While his time at Roma ended abruptly, Daniele De Rossi’s coaching career is far from over. Many believe that he still has a bright future ahead as a manager. Having gained valuable experience at his boyhood club, De Rossi will likely look for another opportunity to prove himself at a different club. His passion for football, tactical understanding, and leadership qualities make him a strong candidate for future managerial roles in Italy or abroad.
Given his strong reputation in Italian football and his popularity among fans, De Rossi could soon find himself back in the dugout. Clubs seeking a coach with a deep understanding of Italian football and a commitment to long-term development could see him as the right fit.
What’s Next for Roma?
Roma now faces a critical moment in their 2024/25 campaign. With De Rossi gone, the club will need to find a new manager quickly to steer the ship in the right direction. The decision to sack De Rossi so early in the season signals that Roma’s board is willing to make bold moves, but it also raises concerns about the stability of the club’s leadership.
For the Giallorossi fans, the hope is that a new manager can come in and reignite the team’s ambitions in Serie A and beyond. However, the rapid turnover of managers raises questions about whether Roma’s ownership has a clear long-term vision for success or if they are more focused on short-term results.
Conclusion
Daniele De Rossi’s firing from Roma just three months after his contract extension shocked the football world. While poor early-season results played a role, many believe that Roma’s US ownership acted too quickly in dismissing a coach who had previously stabilized the team. As the club searches for its next manager, the decision to sack De Rossi will remain a talking point in discussions about the influence of American ownership in European football.
For De Rossi, his brief spell at Roma might have ended, but his journey as a coach is far from over. With his deep knowledge of the game and dedication to his craft, it’s likely that he will return to management soon, ready to prove his worth once again.
