Roma identify Jose Mourinho replacement after sacking manager

The Yellow and Reds have already lined up a replacement for Jose Mourinho after announcing their manager’s departure on Tuesday.

Former AS Roma captain Daniele De Rossi is set to replace Jose Mourinho as the club’s new manager.

On Tuesday, Roma announced the end of Mourinho’s two-and-a-half-year spell in charge. The decision came after a mixed start to the season left Roma in ninth place in Serie A. The Portuguese’s last match ended in a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan at San Siro.

During his time at Roma, Mourinho won the Europa Conference League title in 2022 and reached the Europa League final last season. He claimed 68 victories in 138 games (D30 L40). This left him with a winning percentage of 49.3%.

His contract at the capital club was set to end at the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign.

De Rossi is set to become the new manager

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, De Rossi is the favorite to succeed Mourinho. The 40-year-old is in advanced talks with Roma to become the new head coach until June.

De Rossi’s contract may include an option for him to coach his hometown club for an extended period of time.

The 2006 World Cup winner hung up his boots in 2020 after a short spell at Argentinean club Boca Juniors. He played for Roma between 2001 and 2019, making 616 appearances en route to two Coppa Italia titles and the Supercoppa Italiana.

De Rossi has since become a coach. His first job as manager was with Serie B club SPAL between October 2022 and February 2023. He only won three of his 17 games (D6 L8) before the club sacked him.

Aside from that brief experience, De Rossi has worked under Roberto Mancini for the Italian national team. He also worked with various age groups for the Italian Football Federation.

🚨🟡🔴 AS Roma are closing in on the final details for Daniele De Rossi to be appointed as new head coach.

Contract expected to be valid until June with an option to extend in case all parties want to continue together.

Staff members already being discussed. pic.twitter.com/i0sluoIu1y

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 16, 2024