The mood among AS Roma fans is far from bright, as a recent social media post aptly summarized: “It felt like the fortieth matchday of last season, not the first of the new one.” After just two games this season, the team has managed to accumulate only one point against Cagliari and Empoli, leaving supporters frustrated, disheartened, and booing at the Olimpico Stadium. This dissatisfaction isn’t something new – it’s a result of various factors that have piled up over time.
Roma has struggled in recent years, consistently finishing in sixth place and managing only one league win since April 22. Add to this a lackluster transfer market and the ongoing saga surrounding Paulo Dybala, which has sparked both enthusiasm and unrest within the squad. As fans express their frustrations on social media, the pressure mounts for the upcoming match against Juventus on Sunday, where the Giallorossi will be desperate for a turnaround.
Questions are beginning to arise about head coach Daniele De Rossi’s tactics, despite the loyalty he has earned during his long tenure at the club. Many wonder why he insists on trying to play like Manchester City when the team’s key players, Celik and Ndicka, are not suited for such a style. There’s a growing sentiment among fans, with some pointing out his previous dismissal from SPAL, questioning his capability to manage a club of Roma’s stature.
Social media buzzes with memes demanding the return of José Mourinho and even calling on Claudio Ranieri to step back in and offer his assistance to De Rossi. While these reactions may seem exaggerated, they reflect a sense of dissatisfaction that is hard to ignore, especially given the uninspiring performances against Cagliari and Empoli. Two alarming statistics stand out: Roma had zero yellow cards and zero offsides in those matches, showcasing a lack of fight and depth in their play, particularly in connection with forward Dovbyk.
The focus is also shifting to the sporting director, Floriant Ghisolfi, whose decision to invest €23 million in Le Fée, a player dubbed a “clone of Pellegrini,” is being heavily criticized. Many fans feel that a right-back (with Bellanova being a popular name) and a more physical midfielder should have been prioritized instead. Ghisolfi has kept a low profile since joining the club, leading some to humorously question his existence.
There’s also speculation surrounding new signing Saud Abdulhamid, who is set to become the first Saudi player in Serie A. While some fans jokingly anticipate his arrival as a “solution,” it’s clear the team still lacks something crucial. It appears that the Friedkin family may act quickly to secure further reinforcements, targeting both Danso and Koné. The defender from Lens is reportedly close to joining in a deal that could involve Tammy Abraham moving to West Ham, while fans also await potential exits for players like Smalling and Karsdorp.
As the pressure mounts, many supporters doubt whether these measures will be enough to lift the team above their current struggles. Echoing the sentiments of writer Roberto Gervaso, “optimism is often pessimism that has lost its patience.” The coming days will be crucial, not only for De Rossi but for the entire club, as they aim to restore faith among their fans.