The turmoil within AS Roma reached a critical point following a disappointing home defeat to Bologna, which culminated in the swift dismissal of coach Ivan Juric. The entire affair transpired rapidly; just 39 minutes after the final whistle, the club announced its decision to part ways with Juric. For many supporters of the Giallorosso, this decision was perceived as long overdue due to the team’s poor performance under his stewardship. Juric’s tenure, lasting only a mere 53 days, became remarkable for the wrong reasons, as he recorded the lowest points-per-game average (1.25) for any Roma coach in the last two decades.
The warning signs for Juric were evident early in his short time with the club. A lackluster 1-0 defeat against Elfsborg in the UEFA Europa League on October 3 was followed by an embarrassing 5-1 drubbing from Fiorentina. As the defeats piled up, it became increasingly evident that Roma’s campaign was on a downward trajectory, and the loss to Bologna marked their third defeat in just five games, sealing Juric’s fate.
From the outset, Juric faced immense obstacles. His arrival came on the heels of the controversial sacking of club icon Daniele De Rossi, which provoked anger and protests from the fanbase. The Friedkin Group, the club’s ownership, faced significant backlash as supporters expressed their discontent not only with the decision to replace De Rossi but also with the squad’s lackluster performances. The Curva Sud, known for its passionate supporters, took to boycotting the beginning of matches by leaving their section empty for the first 15 minutes, an act of protest that underscored the unease in the stands. Underperforming players, including key figures like Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante, found themselves facing jeers from their own supporters, amplifying the tension surrounding the team.
As fan disillusionment grew, empty seats at the Stadio Olimpico became more common. This was a stark contrast to the full and fervent stadiums that characterized the reigns of former coaches like José Mourinho and De Rossi. A particularly poignant banner displayed outside Roma’s training ground conveyed the supporters’ frustrations, calling for the exit of the club’s leadership. In the wake of Juric’s dismissal, sporting director Florent Ghisolfi acknowledged the club’s role in the current predicament, stating, “We are in a predicament and we must take our responsibilities.” His heartfelt apology to the suffering fans reflected the overall sentiment of despair among the Roma faithful.
On the field, Juric’s failure to instill any sort of cohesion within the squad was evident. Despite the off-field turmoil, Roma’s performances were disappointing, with only three clean sheets in 12 games. The team consistently faltered in matches where they were expected to excel, stumbling against lesser teams like Elfsborg and Verona, while also drawing with lesser opponents such as Monza and Union Saint-Gilloise. As a result, Juric’s final record consisted of four wins, three draws, and five defeats across competitions, leaving Roma languishing in 12th place in Serie A, alarmingly close to the relegation zone.
With the vacuum of leadership created by Juric’s exit, discussions about who might take over the managerial reins of Roma began to swirl swiftly. The club announced that they would be actively seeking a new head coach, and a diverse list of candidates emerged, creating both intrigue and skepticism among fans and pundits alike. Names such as Frank Lampard and Graham Potter caught attention, the former having recently served as Chelsea’s caretaker manager. Lampard’s candidacy was met with mixed opinions, as analysts like Luca Marchegiani expressed doubts about his qualifications for the post based on recent uninspiring performances.
Meanwhile, more established names such as Massimiliano Allegri, recently released from Juventus, and Roberto Mancini, who parted ways with the Saudi Arabia team, began to gain traction as favorable candidates. Claudio Ranieri, a native Roman and familiar face, added another layer of possibility, not to mention the allure of Edin Terzic, who had recently steered Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League finals.
As the club stands at a crossroads, it’s paramount that the administration find a coach equipped to reinstate competitive spirit and restore the team’s standing within Serie A. With the lofty aim of qualifying for the Champions League—an objective they haven’t achieved since the 2018/19 season—seemingly slipping away, the pressure on the club management mounts. The appointment of an adept manager is crucial for Roma’s ambition to be taken seriously in the league, as the club grapples with the significant disappointment and frustration echoing through its storied history. The coming days will be pivotal for AS Roma’s direction, as they seek not only to heal from the tumultuous departure of Juric but also to reinvigorate a club that has long been
