Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Serie A club, AS Roma, after two-and-a-half years in charge.
Roma have won one of their last six Serie A games and were recently knocked out of the Coppa Italia by city rivals Lazio, where Mourinho was sent off.
They are ninth in Serie A, 22 points behind league leaders Inter Milan.
Mourinho joined Roma in 2021 and spent two-and-a-half years in the role, leading them to the Europa Conference League title in 2022.
The 60-year-old coach also guided them to the Europa League final last season, where they were defeated by Sevilla on penalties.
His contract was due to expire in June.
Roma are however set to appoint former captain Daniele De Rossi as Mourinho’s replacement.
READ ALSO: Mourinho handed 4-game UEFA ban for abusing referee
An agreement with former Roma captain De Rossi to take over is being finalised. De Rossi will take charge until June, with the club having an option to renew his contract based on achievements and results.
Former Brighton and Chelsea manager, Graham Potter, as well as Antonio Conte were also considered for the role.
A statement issued by the club on Tuesday read: “We would like to thank Jose on behalf of all of us at AS Roma for his passion and efforts since his arrival at the club.
“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 Jose and his assistants all the best in their future endeavours.”
On Tuesday morning, Roma owners, Dan and Ryan Friedkin, summoned Mourinho to the Trigoria training ground in person.
It was gathered that this was not a sudden decision.
Sky Sports quoted the owners as telling Mourinho of their decision, which was thought out, considering the way the whole season – and particularly the last month – has been going. The club’s ownership believe this is the right time to change direction.
Roma’s training session was cancelled as a result – they host 18th-placed Verona on Saturday.
- ‘I wish him well’: Tinubu accepts Ngelale’s indefinite leave - September 7, 2024
- AFCON qualifiers: Lookman nets brace as Nigeria whip Benin Republic 3-0 - September 7, 2024
- FG to establish blood collection centres in 774 LGAs - September 7, 2024
