Serie A

JOSE MOURINHO has been sacked by Roma after a two-and-a-half-year stint at the Serie A club.But the 60-year-old could already be lined up with a new role and his first-ever international job.
Fans have lined up Jose Mourinho with first ever international roleCredit: Rex
Roma have sacked Mourinho after two-and-a-half yearsCredit: AFP
Mourinho has been sacked for the sixth time in his careerCredit: PA
After a chaotic spell at the Stadio Olimpico, Mourinho’s time in the Eternal City has come to an end.
The former Tottenham boss struggled in Serie A, finishing sixth twice in his two full seasons in charge.
But Roma are currently ninth in the table this campaign and have decided to part ways with the veteran boss, who has been sacked for the sixth time in his career.
However, one fan is hoping to get everyone behind a brand new job for the Portuguese manager.
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And it would be Mourinho’s first international role – as manager of the San Marino football team.
The fan tweeted: “José Mourinho is fired and San Marino is searching for a new manager. Let’s make it happen.”
San Marino are currently the lowest-ranked Fifa-affiliated national football team (211).
And the fan account that posted the new job role for Mourinho even called the national squad, “the unluckiest football team in the world.”
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San Marino’s last goal was against Finland in November in a Euro 2024 qualifier – which they lost 2-1.
They have only ever won once, defeating Liechtenstein 1–0 in a friendly match on 28 April 2004.
Now supporters are liking the idea of the former Chelsea boss in the new outfit.
One said: “San Marino winning the World Cup 2026, we will be there.”
Another added: “We need to manifest so hard, you can’t spell 2024 without San Marino so it will be surely our year.”
A third then put: “Please do this The Special One 🙏.”
Mourinho was axed by Roma after a dismal spell of form coupled with ill-discipline on the touchline.
The club’s American owners, Dan and Ryan Friedkin, were said to be “highly unhappy” with results under Mourinho this campaign.
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And Roma legend Daniele De Rossi is now set to take over.
De Rossi will take charge until June, with his contract including an option to renew based on achievements and results. More

ROMA have announced their new boss just hours after sacking Jose Mourinho.The Italian giants have agreed a deal to bring club legend Daniele De Rossi in as the new boss.
Jose Mourinho was sacked by Roma on TuesdayCredit: Rex
Daniele De Rossi is has been brought in to replace himCredit: Getty
Mourinho was dismissed by Roma on Tuesday after a dismal spell of form coupled will ill discipline on the touchline saw the Giallorossi sitting ninth in Serie A.
And with recent performances leading to booing from fans at the Stadio Olimpico, execs at Roma appear to be leaning on nostalgia to improve the mood in the Italian capital.
The club have announced the appointment of De Rossi as the new head coach.
The deal is valid until the end of the season with reports suggesting there is an option to extend his contract further should things work out.
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De Rossi made over 600 appearances for Roma over an 18-year spell with the club.
His management history offers less experience with the former midfielder only taking charge of 17 matches as manager.
The 40-year-old was the boss at Italian third division side SPAL, but was sacked after achieving just THREE wins in his time as gaffer.
However he achieved success prior to his time with the Serie C outfit when he worked as an assistant coach for the Italian national team.
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De Rossi was part of Roberto Mancini’s team that guided Italy to success at Euro 2020.
Speaking to the official Roma website, De Rossi explained that there is a big job ahead of him at the club.
He said: “I would like to thank the Friedkin family for entrusting me with the responsibility of manager of Roma.
“For my part I know no other path other than that of application, daily sacrifice and the need to give everything I have inside to face the challenges that confront us.
“The challenges are waiting between now and the end of the season”
“The emotion of being able to sit on our bench is indescribable, everyone knows what Roma is for me, but the work that awaits all of us has already taken over. 
“We have no time, no choice: being competitive, fighting for our goals and trying to achieve them are the only priorities that my staff and I have given ourselves.”
De Rossi made over 600 appearances for Roma as a playerCredit: Getty
He was an assistant coach for the Italian national team when they won Euro 2020Credit: Getty More

ROMA have this morning sacked Jose Mourinho, bringing his chaotic two-and-a-half year tenure in the Eternal City to an end.Mourinho, 60, rocked up in Rome in May 2021, returning to Serie A following a decade away for the former Inter Milan boss.
Jose Mourinho has been sacked by RomaCredit: Getty
The Portuguese had just been sacked by Tottenham following a miserable 18 months in North London.
He may have changed leagues by heading back to Italy, but the pattern of his tenure stayed very much the same at Roma right up to his sacking this morning.
After appointing Mourinho, club president Dan Friedkin proudly proclaimed: “The appointment of Jose is a huge step in building a long-term and consistent winning culture throughout the club.”
It appeared to be a bold claim at the time, given Mourinho’s tenures tending to combust by his third season, and at Spurs even sooner.
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His first Serie A campaign was an underwhelming one as his side slumped to sixth – seven points off the top four.
The season was rescued somewhat by their European exploits, with Roma beating Leicester in the semis and Feyenoord in the final to win the Europa Conference League.
After the final, a visibly emotional Mourinho gushed: “Of course I feel like a Romanista, but that might be my way of working.
“I am a Porto fan, an Inter fan, a Chelsea fan, I am crazy about Real Madrid, I am now a Roma fan, I belong to all those clubs because we had these moments together.”
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Mourinho brought Tammy Abraham to Rome from ChelseaCredit: Getty
The Portuguese beamed after winning the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: Getty
If the win was supposed to act as a launchpad for bigger and better things, it didn’t.
In the following campaign Roma finished sixth again… on exactly the same tally of 63 points that they managed the year before.
Jose’s behaviour began to get more erratic and he received three red cards for his touchline meltdowns.
Once again the success of the season hinged on a single match, as Roma took on Sevilla in the Europa League final.
Not securing Champions League football in either of Mourinho’s first two years in charge would have seemed unthinkable to Roma’s owners, so beating Sevilla was imperative.
So when he saw his side’s season go up in flames after losing on penalties to the LaLiga side, Mourinho threw another huge tantrum.
Following the match he could be seen hurling abuse at English referee Anthony Taylor in the car park, shouting: “You’re a f***ing disgrace, you’re a f***ing disgrace!”
Mourinho fumed at referee Anthony Taylor after the Europa League finalCredit: PA
The 60-year-old had to settle for a runners-up medalCredit: Getty
Mourinho’s mood didn’t improve as he returned for his third season at the helm, with Roma largely limited to loans and free transfers amid potential Financial Fair Play issues.
He did manage to sign old pal Romelu Lukaku, with the Belgian having been prolific this term.
But the former Chelsea and Manchester United star’s goals haven’t been enough to sufficiently improve Roma.
Mourinho won just one of his final six Serie A games at the helm, leaving them languishing in ninth place.
And in this period he also saw his side dumped out of the Coppa Italia by Lazio.
Back in October he received a red card after telling Monza boss Raffaele Palladino: “You talk a lot and then you cry.”
It wasn’t even his first flashpoint against Monza, as last season he had “worn a wire” to try to escape sanctions.
He tore into Serie A whistler Daniele Chiffi at the time, blasting: “He is the worst referee I have met in my life. He is the worst. Technically he’s horrible. Zero empathy. Zero communication. Zero awareness.”
Mourinho’s red cards became more and more frequentCredit: Rex
His frustrations often boiled over on the touchlineCredit: Getty
Mourinho received two red cards in just four days earlier this month as his Roma tenure unravelled, including in the Rome derby Coppa defeat to Lazio.
It took his tally of red cards in the last two seasons to six – more than any player in Serie A.
Referees weren’t the only victims of Mourinho’s angst this term.
Following a 2-1 win over Sassuolo earlier in the campaign, the Portuguese focused his ire on the Italian press.
He bizarrely refused to speak Italian after the match, despite being fluent, instead using an interpreter and responding in Portuguese.
A few weeks later he snubbed them altogether following his red card against Atalanta.
Mourinho has publicly dug his players out in the past, and Renato Sanches became the latest to receive that treatment.
The confused midfielder was taken off just 18 minutes after coming on during a 2-0 defeat to Bologna last month.
The former Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham boss’s relationship with the press became increasingly strainedCredit: Getty
A confused Renato Sanches was subbed just 18 minutes after coming on against BolognaCredit: Rex
Mourinho’s final battle was with the Roma fans.
He had enjoyed an incredible reception from the Romanistas in 2021, and they long continued to back him despite stagnation in Serie A.
This season saw portions of the fanbase turn on him, particularly after going out of the cup to Lazio.
Following that defeat, Mourinho bizarrely compared to himself to the world’s most famous wizard.
He said: “The Roma fans are the most incredible I have seen. Their coach is Jose ‘Harry Potter’ Mourinho and he raises expectations.”
Mourinho’s Roma sacking is the sixth of his long career.
He was first axed by Chelsea in 2007, before heading to Inter Milan.
From Italy he headed to Real Madrid, who sacked him in 2013 just a year after penning a contract extension to 2016.
Mourinho was relieved of his duties for a second time by Chelsea in December 2015 following a disastrous start to the season.
Man Utd sacked the Portuguese in December 2018 following an awful start to the season amid a rumoured rift with many of his squad.
He barely lasted 18 months at Spurs, being sacked in April 2021 amid an awful run of form that saw them crash out of the Europa League and FA Cup in embarrassing circumstances while falling out of the top four.
Now that Mourinho has left Roma, fans will be interested to see where he ends up next.
A return to the Premier League could be on the cards but after his recent string of jobs, who would take him?
Naturally there have been some rumblings of Newcastle, with Eddie Howe having faced pressure this season.
While he will always have a connection with Chelsea, given his history at Stamford Bridge.
Perhaps more likely, however, is a lucrative trip to Saudi Arabia.
Back in November he even admitted to Rai1: “I think one day I will join Saudi Pro League. I think I will go and coach there, yes.”
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If so, then Mourinho’s days at the top level would officially be over.
But you can never rule out another big club calling upon the once self-proclaimed “Special One”.
Mourinho’s days at the top level may be overCredit: Reuters More

JOSE MOURINHO has been spotted leaving Roma’s training ground after being sacked as manager.The veteran boss spent two-and-a-half years in charge of the Serie A club and won the Europa Conference League in his first season in charge.
Roma have sacked Jose MourinhoCredit: Getty
Mourinho won the Europa Conference League in 2022Credit: Getty
The Special One looked glum as he departed the training groundCredit: EPA
Mourinho has now been sacked six times as managerCredit: EPA
But he struggled in Serie A, finishing sixth twice in his two full seasons in charge.
Roma are ninth in the table this campaign and have decided to part ways with Mourinho, who has been sacked for the sixth time in his career.
The Italian giants have agreed a deal to bring in club legend Daniele De Rossi as their new manager.
Roma released a statement confirming his departure which reads: “We would like to thank José on behalf of all of us at AS Roma for his passion and efforts since his arrival at the club.
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“We will always have great memories of his tenure at Roma, but we believe that an immediate change is in the best interests of the club.
“We wish José and his assistants all the best in their future endeavours.”
Mourinho, 60, has had a turbulent spell in Rome marred by his ill discipline on the touchline.
Last season he received three red cards for his touchline antics, in addition to a further trio of bookings.
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The Portuguese didn’t clean up his act this term, being sent off against Monza in October for telling opposite number Raffaele Palladino: “You talk a lot and then you cry.”
The former Chelsea boss has been sent off three times this seasonCredit: Alamy
The end of Mourinho’s tenure was marred by poor disciplineCredit: Reuters
Mourinho has bagged £80million in compensation from his sackings
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Last season, Mourinho tore into Serie A referee Daniele Chiffi after claiming to have “worn a wire” in order to protect himself from sanctions.
The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss said of Chiffi: “He is the worst referee I have met in my life.
“He is the worst. Technically he’s horrible. Zero empathy. Zero communication. Zero awareness.”
Earlier this month Mourinho was red carded during his side’s drab 1-1 draw with Atalanta.
Just last week, Mourinho was dismissed for the second match in a row after a violent and chaotic Rome derby in which his side lost 1-0 to Lazio.
It was his sixth red card across the last two seasons – more than any player in Serie A.
As his tenure began to unravel, the Italian media also found themselves in Mourinho’s firing line.
Following a 2-1 win over Sassuolo last month he refused to speak Italian after the match, despite being fluent.
Instead, he bizarrely only spoke Portuguese, with an interpreter translating for confused local reporters.
A few weeks later things spiralled even further, with Mourinho snubbing the media altogether after his red card against Atalanta.
Defeat to rivals Lazio knocked Roma out of the Coppa Italia, with a defiant Mourinho labelling himself Harry Potter because he raises fan expectations.
He said: “The Roma fans are the most incredible I have seen. Their coach is Jose ‘Harry Potter’ Mourinho and he raises expectations.
“I don’t know how many derbies I’ve played, 200, 150, they are always special matches. I’ve won, I’ve drawn, I’ve lost, always with a different experience.”
Mourinho may not be out of work for long having been targeted by Newcastle with Eddie Howe under pressure.
He was also rumoured to be a candidate for the Brazil job before they appointed Dorival Júnior.
He is believed to have earned £6.4million a year at Roma and has collected around £80m in severance from his sackings.
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Chelsea and United paid him a combined £37m while Spurs are believed to forked out around £15-20m to get rid of him in 2021.
Roma are expected to payout £3m to the ‘Special One’, according to the Daily Mail.
Inside Jose Mourinho’s last days in RomeBy Kealan Hughes and Etienne Fermie
Jose Mourinho hit out at officials and managers towards the end of his tenure, which was marred by ill discipline.
He received three red cards in 2022-23 and three more this term, including in a feisty Rome derby defeat to Lazio.
The Portuguese was sent off in the match prior to that against Atalanta and also against Monza, after which he told opposite number Raffaele Palladino: “You talk a lot and then you cry.”
Last term, Mourinho tore into Serie A whistler Daniele Chiffi after claiming to have “worn a wire” in order to protect himself from sanctions.
The former Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham boss said of Chiffi: “He is the worst referee I have met in my life.
“He is the worst. Technically he’s horrible. Zero empathy. Zero communication. Zero awareness.”
As his tenure began to unravel, the Italian media also found themselves in Mourinho’s firing line.
Following a 2-1 win over Sassuolo last month he refused to speak Italian after the match, despite being fluent.
Instead, he bizarrely only spoke Portuguese, with an interpreter translating for confused local reporters.
A few weeks later things spiralled even further, with Mourinho snubbing the media altogether after his red card against Atalanta.
Mourinho initially received incredible backing from the Roma fanbase, but many began to tire of his antics this season.
With unrest growing further after Lazio dumped his side out of the Coppa Italia, Mourinho bizarrely compared himself to a fictional wizard.
He said: “The Roma fans are the most incredible I have seen. Their coach is Jose ‘Harry Potter’ Mourinho and he raises expectations.” More