The announcement of Jose Mourinho as the incoming AS Roma manager sent shock waves across stakeholders in Italy.
Many in the Italian league didn’t believe that he was ready to return to management after his recent sack from Tottenham.
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The 58-year-old tactician had said he was enjoying his break, keeping everyone in suspense about his next move. “The Special One”, as he calls himself, sprang a surprise when the Giallorossi announced that he will become their manager.
Since the announcement, which means Paulo Fonseca won’t be getting a new deal in the summer, there have been several reactions, with many wishing him the best of luck on his return to Italy.
Mourinho has nothing to prove, having won all available titles in the 2019-10 season as Inter Milan manager. However this will be another challenge for him entirely.
He is coming to manage a team that will not be involved in any European competition next season. That will give him enough time to prepare for domestic cups and competitions.
Mourinho has the ability to lure his former players, like Nemanja Matic who has fallen out of the pecking order at Old Trafford.
The early announcement should help Mourinho pin down his targets and possibly get them on time as he will want to hit the ground running. It won’t be a surprise if he starts off with good results, as he won’t be under any pressure.
The negative for him here is that he is expected to add to his squad with a lean budget from the club purse. There won’t be any funds from UEFA since the club isn’t participating in any European tournament next season. It will all boil down to tactical transfer business that Mourinho will have to do, alongside the club’s Sporting Director.
This is coupled with the effect of COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the market value of many players. Furthermore, clubs have suffered significant loss from lack of ticket sales. It will take some brilliance to be convince players about the Giallorossi project.
The arrival of Mourinho is expected to usher in some drama. “The Only One,” as he referred to himself on his second return to Chelsea, is hopefully more mature now. No doubt, there will be mind games as usual, but Mourinho has to do justice with tactics.
Roma could be in the mix for the title next season because they have talented players in their ranks. This is welcome competition for Inter Milan who recently clinched their 19th Scudetto.
The return of Jose Mourinho also spells the reignition of the rivalry between him and Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte. Their meeting will generate a lot of talk, drama, mind games and fireworks.
His arrival in Italy could even increase the value of the Italian brand as many will want to watch Jose Mourinho in action again as usual. Whilst his appointment will put other Serie A teams on their toes, the spotlight will be on Mourinho to prove himself again.
However, judging from his recent record, there is a question mark on his Jose Mourinho’s choice of tactics. Roma is an attacking-minded team, but Mourinho sometimes plays negative football, especially against opponents that know how to pin passes together.
Roma fans will be hoping that Mourinho doesn’t turn an attractive Roma side into a boring one as he did with Tottenham before being shown the exit door.
In the club’s statement, Roma describes Jose Mourinho as a serial winner. Will he manifest this at Roma? With 22 major titles in his cabinet, one can’t question the ability of the Special One.
Has Roma made a good catch? Time will tell.
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