Roma Halfway Through Turmoil: Juric's Departure Marks Unrest in the Club
On Sunday afternoon, AS Roma announced the dismissal of its men's football team coach, Ivan Juric, a 49-year-old Croatian, following a disappointing loss to Bologna in the latest round of Serie A. Roma currently sits in 12th place in the league standings, a frustrating position given the significant investment the club made in strengthening its squad over the summer.
Juric becomes the second coach to be relieved of his duties this season, an ignominious distinction he shares with Daniele De Rossi, the former club captain, who was unexpectedly let go after just the fourth matchday, following a string of unsatisfactory results. During his brief tenure, Juric achieved three wins, one draw, and four losses over eight league matches, ultimately failing to improve the team's fortunes.
Rumors regarding Juric's eventual sacking had percolated through the media for several days prior to the announcement. A October report from Corriere dello Sport highlighted tensions between Juric and defender Gianluca Mancini, which reportedly escalated into a dispute during halftime of a match against Fiorentina. Subsequent reports suggested a broadening disconnect between Juric and various players, signaling deeper issues within the squad.
The unsettling atmosphere at the club has been palpable since De Rossi's dismissal. Fans, once vocally supportive, have begun to express their discontent with both the executives and the ownership, particularly targeting the American Friedkin family. De Rossi, who took over from Jose Mourinho last January, had initially shown promise, guiding the team through a successful latter half of the season. However, after a lackluster start marked by three draws and a loss, his tenure was deemed short-lived.
Juric initially managed to steer Roma to a couple of crucial wins against Udinese and Venezia, earning six points, but the squad subsequently faltered, losing three of the next five fixtures. This lack of consistency ultimately led to his downfall.
In the wake of Juric's departure, discussions about a potential return for De Rossi have circulated, especially given the financial implications of hiring a new coach at this juncture. Employing a fresh face would require the Friedkin family to cover the salaries for three coaches concurrently.
Speculations regarding potential successors have already begun. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa, known for his previous roles at Fiorentina and Salernitana, and who has a rich playing history with Juventus, Inter, and Parma, may be a candidate worth pursuing.
As Roma traverses this tumultuous period, questions loom over the direction of the club and the management of its resources. The echoes of discontent from the fanbase serve as a stark reminder of the expectations that accompany such financial investments, leaving the future of the team hanging in a precarious balance.
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