Roma and the city of Rome are in a state of mass hysteria as they prepare for the Europa League final in Budapest. This is due to the almost mystical relationship Jose Mourinho has built with both players and fans since his arrival in July 2020. Mourinho’s arrival was a coup de theatre, as no-one expected such a high calibre manager and character to return to Italy after his successes and controversial moments at Inter Milan, least of all the depressed Roma fans. Since then, Roma have seen a commendable turnaround, culminating in their captain Lorenzo Pellegrini lifting the Europa Conference League trophy to the Tirana sky last May, a first ever continental success for the club. This was followed by the unveiling of superstar Paulo Dybala in front of an ecstatic crowd two months later. Mourinho has been the driving catalyst behind this, as he is unique in gaining such buy-in from players. His players follow him blindly and are ready to throw themselves into the fire for him when needed.
Mourinho is also known for his continuous criticism of referees, the system and his own club, which he believes is too weak and incapable of putting together a competitive team. He and his players have built a deep empathy with the fans, who have been struggling with the decline and departure of Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi over the last 15 years. Mourinho has even been honoured with a mural in the Testaccio area, which he rides on his Vespa, a present from the Friedkin family which he guards jealously at the Trigoria training centre.
Roma will be hoping that Dybala can add spark to their ‘solid’ side when they face Sevilla in the final on Wednesday (20:00 BST). Despite Sevilla’s qualities and their great run under Jose Luis Mendilibar, Roma have all it takes to win the title, especially if they can count on Dybala. The Argentine striker has been struggling with an ankle knock but has the quality to decide any game.
Roma don’t play attractive football, but can definitely fight and suffer. Mourinho is to be judged on results, not his style of play, and his side earned important wins when it came to it, at least in Europe. Results haven’t been as satisfying in the league though, as Roma rank sixth with 11 losses, five at home, and both derbies against Lazio. Champions League qualification is still possible if they beat Sevilla, which would bring around 50m Euros.
The Friedkin family have injected around 750m Euros into the project since their takeover in August 2020, hiring high-profile professionals such as Tiago Pinto and Lina Souloukou, and spending almost 100m Euros on players. Mourinho’s £8m-per-year contract is all part of the strategy, but Roma have already paid a 5m Euros fine to Uefa for breaching Financial Fair Play and their books will be under scrutiny until 2027.
Wednesday’s game will also have a big impact on Mourinho’s next steps. He has said that whatever happens he will maintain a deep bond with Roma and their fans forever, but knowing his taste for drama, could he be waving everyone farewell at the Puskas Arena? He will want the club to guarantee a competitive squad for potential Champions League football, and club representatives will want him to stop criticising Roma. Is there room for a compromise? It’s difficult to say, but it’s the only way to build a common future. Otherwise Roma and their shaman will part ways.