Roma faces a coaching upheaval as Mourinho departs and Slutsky steps into the spotlight
Former Manchester United and Russia star Andrei Kanchelskis weighed in on the unexpected move, describing Mourinho’s dismissal as an odd moment in the season. He noted that midseason changes are unusual and often provoke more questions than answers. In his view, a decision at season end would have allowed Roma to finish the campaign with clarity, while current leadership instincts pushed for a fresh approach and a new squad direction. With Roma sitting in ninth place, the window for mounting a late push remains narrow but far from closed, depending on the club’s new leadership and transfer strategy.
Kanchelskis added that Mourinho would not stay without work for long. He also mentioned Slutsky as a coach who will not remain sidelined for long, stressing that Mourinho has built a strong personal reputation in European football. The implication is that both managers are respected figures who will quickly attract opportunities once dismissed from their current roles.
Mourinho has led Roma since May 2021, guiding them to a Conference League title in the 2021/22 season and reaching the Europa League final last season. His tenure has been marked by bold methods and a strong club identity, even as the team navigated a challenging campaign that has left them with 29 points after 20 league weeks, placing them ninth in Serie A behind league leaders Inter Milan with 51 points.
Roma currently sits in the mid-table portion of the season, with a gap to the top teams that is not insurmountable but requires a strategic reset. The season thus far has tested the club’s depth and tactical decisiveness, underscoring the need for a coherent plan that can restore momentum and competitiveness in domestic and European competitions.
On January 16, Shanghai Shenhua played a 1-1 draw with the Chinese Olympic team in the first match under the direction of Russian coach Leonid Slutsky. That result marks Slutsky’s early stage with the club and signals the start of his efforts to implement a new philosophy and training regimen. The transition at Roma previously involved an era of legend, with the club’s history and culture serving as a benchmark for performance and resilience against a backdrop of high expectations.
In summary, the season continues to evolve as Roma considers its options for a new head coach, a fresh strategic concept, and a refreshed squad build. The broader narrative emphasizes leadership changes that aim to reverse a recent run of results and reestablish Roma as a competitive force in both Serie A and European competitions, driven by experienced figures and a clear plan for the road ahead.