Everything still feels like a strange dream, but Jose Mourinho is the new manager of AS Roma.
The timing of the announcement means that the shockwaves have subsided, but they will only be regenerated when the Portuguese coach sinks his teeth in the transfer market.
There is a lot of work to be done on this Giallorossi side, but the former Tottenham Hotspur coach also has some exciting talents to shape and hopefully will not be ridiculed in oblivion.
Rome’s new owners will also be looking for a statement in the summer window, so all signs point to a hectic couple of months in the Italian capital.
But how will the Roma set up the first whistle in the Serie A campaign 2021/22? 90 minutes has a crack in predicting how Mourinho’s men will line up next year.
Rui Patricio is a name that is strongly linked to AS Roma / David Ramos / Getty Images
Rui Patricio (GK) – Priority number one for Mourinho is to find a new number one. Pau Lopez has proved to be an accident liability this season, and his lack of mental strength makes him a sitting duck for the ruthless Roma boss. The new coach likes Wolves to shoot stopper Rui Patricio, and given the Portuguese connection, that could happen.
Rick Karsdorp (RB) – We can only imagine that Rick Karsdorp and Mourinho continue as a house on fire – and they are the ones who commit the arson together. The Dutchman is a full-blooded 110% committed defender and sometimes allows the odd screw to come loose. He will run through brick walls for Mou and that loyalty will be repaid during the playing time.
Gianluca Mancini (CB) – See above. Gianluca Mancini is the leader of this Roma group and his love of the physical and mental side of warfare will play perfectly into the hands of the coach. The Italian is a high-quality defender, and he will continue to be just that under his new boss. Roger Ibanez (CB) – Roma have a real gem in the form of Roger Ibanez. The Brazilian is an excellent ball-playing defender, and even though he suffered the odd loss of concentration last year, there is a top defender in it who is just waiting to be polished. Please do not torment him permanently, Jose.
Leonardo Spinazzola (LB) – It’s crazy that Roma conceded 58 goals last year, but on paper their defense is so strong. Leonardo Spinazzola was probably the most important player in Paulo Fonseca’s system, but will he survive the shift from wing back to left back? Time will tell, but at the moment he can not be moved.
Another Portuguese International / David Ramos / Getty Images
Renato Sanches (CM) – Now for another juicy. Renato Sanches must feel that he has achieved everything he can with Lille – after winning Ligue 1 with the French kit – and he wants his chances to return to a European giant. Roma would offer big money, and Mourinho would be the sweetener in the deal. Time to fulfill your potential, son.
Jordan Veretout (CM) – This guy is an elite midfielder. Jordan Veretout is the ultimate Mourinho soldier, and he will be Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the Italian capital. He loves a fight, gets stuck in and can really push the team forward. A star.
Lorenzo Pellegrini (AM) – The Captain. Lorenzo Pellegrini is Roma’s leader and he earned his best season in a Giallorossi jersey last year. He can hide in big matches, so he risks becoming one of Mourinho’s scapegoats. But if he grows to be a true Roman gladiator, Jose can drive him to greatness. Let us hope.
Il Gallo / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
Nicolo Zaniolo (RW) – Two diseased anterior cruciate ligament injuries have cost Nicolo Zaniolo 18 months of action, but have been vaccinated going forward to return to full fitness. Starlet is hungrier than ever to succeed, and his tunnel vision mentality will convince Mourinho to trust and unleash the special talent he possesses.
Andrea Belotti (ST) – Il Galloooo! Andrea ‘the Rooster’ Belotti is a target for Roma this summer, and the feeling is what Mourinho wants, Mourinho will get the new owners. Belotti has been a constant scorer in a poor Torino team in recent years, and he deserves a step up in the Serie A table. Fingers crossed, we see the iconic celebration in red and yellow next season.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (LW) – There has been some tension between Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mourinho in the past, but the Portuguese boss convinced the Armenian train that he is part of his plans for next season, and therefore put paper on paper about a new deal. Mkhi was Rome’s excellent artist last year, and he hopes to have the freedom to express himself in a similar way in 2021/22.
