AS Roma announced the appointment of their former captain, Daniele de Rossi, as the club’s new manager following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho.
The decision comes after Roma’s disappointing start to the Serie A season, leaving them in ninth place after 20 games.
Roma had reportedly targeted Antonio Conte as their first choice for the managerial role, but after failing to secure his services, they quickly turned their attention to bringing back club legend Daniele de Rossi to Stadio Olimpico.
The 40-year-old has signed a six-month contract until the end of the season and will lead the team as they aim to improve their performance.
De Rossi’s return to Roma marks the end of an illustrious 17-year playing career with the Giallorossi, during which he made 616 appearances, scoring 63 goals, and providing 60 assists.
Only Francesco Totti has played more matches for the club than De Rossi. He was a key figure in Roma’s successes, winning two Coppa Italias and one Supercoppa Italiana. Additionally, he was part of Italy’s winning squads in the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2012.
AS Roma are pleased to confirm that Daniele De Rossi has been appointed as head coach until 30 June 2024.
Welcome home, Daniele! 💛❤️
📄 https://t.co/7e6RgE4dmA#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/2GWqAEGnKY
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) January 16, 2024
Expressing his gratitude, De Rossi stated, “I would like to thank the Friedkin family for entrusting me with the responsibility of Roma’s head coach role. From my side, I know no other way but dedication, daily sacrifices, and giving everything I have in order to face the challenges that await us from now until the end of the season.”
De Rossi’s previous managerial experience came with Serie B club SPAL in the 2022-23 season, but he was relieved of his duties after just 17 games.
Despite this setback, Roma’s owners, Dan Friedkin and Ryan Friedkin, believe that De Rossi’s deep connection with the club will play a crucial role in the team’s success in the second half of the season.
“We are happy to be able to hand over the managerial role of AS Roma to Daniele De Rossi, as we feel that the leadership and ambition that have always defined him can prove decisive in achieving the team’s objectives until the end of the season,” said the Friedkin brothers.
De Rossi’s first test as Roma’s manager will be against Hellas Verona on Saturday. The team aims to bounce back from consecutive defeats against Lazio and AC Milan in the Coppa Italia and Serie A, respectively.
De Rossi will also lead Roma in their Europa League campaign, which resumes next month with a two-legged knockout-round playoff tie against Feyenoord.
