Daniele De Rossi’s tenure as Roma’s head coach has come to an abrupt and controversial end, sparking outrage among supporters and raising questions about the club’s decision-making process. The unexpected dismissal has put the Friedkin family, CEO Souloukou, and sporting director Ghisolfi under intense scrutiny from fans who are questioning the timing, method, and lack of long-term vision in this drastic move.
TMW report that one of the key factors that reportedly led to the breakdown in the relationship between De Rossi and the club involves star player Paulo Dybala. The Argentine forward’s contract, set to expire in 2025, contains a clause that has become a point of contention. This clause stipulates an automatic one-year extension at €7 million if Dybala plays 50% of Roma’s matches for at least 45 minutes over three years, regardless of the competition.
Sources close to the club suggest that Roma’s management had advised De Rossi to limit Dybala’s playing time to prevent triggering this automatic renewal. This request allegedly led De Rossi to initially offer his resignation, though the parties briefly reconciled before the final, irreparable rift occurred.
The situation highlights the complex dynamics between coaching decisions and financial considerations in modern football. De Rossi’s refusal to compromise on team selection based on contractual clauses appears to have been a significant factor in his departure.
As Roma moves forward with new coach Ivan Juric, questions remain about the club’s strategy and the potential impact on player morale and fan support. The handling of De Rossi’s exit and the underlying issues with key players’ contracts may have long-lasting implications for Roma’s future both on and off the pitch.