The Champions League is Europe’s most elite football competition. It’s the stage where legends are made and dreams are realized, and attracts enormous viewer numbers and massive football betting attention.
Making it into the Champions League gives clubs a shot at glory, not to mention the significant financial rewards. How important is Champions League football to the future of Jose Mourinho at Roma? Read on to find out.
Mourinho’s Tenure at Roma
Nicknamed ‘The Special One’, Jose Mourinho is one of the world’s most celebrated and most successful managers. His time at Porto propelled him to fame, where he won the top-flight title twice, as well as the Europa League and the Champions League. He has since managed a string of huge clubs, including Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Manchester United.
In May 2021, Mourinho was appointed as the manager of Roma, after being sacked by Tottenham after 17 months in charge. He arrived to a stagnating Roma side who had failed to win a piece of silverware since the Coppa Italia in 2008. For a team with such an illustrious and storied history as Roma, such a trophy doubt was unheard of, and unacceptable in the eyes of the fans.
In this first season, Mourinho would lead Roma to their first European trophy in 30 years in a 1-0 victory over Feyenoord in the Europa Conference League Final.
Domestically, Roma finished sixth in Mourinho’s first season, guaranteeing them a spot in this year’s Europa League Group Stage.
Mourinho’s Second Season at Roma
Roma are a huge club with a passionate fan base that demands success. While last year was certainly a step in the right direction, it wasn’t enough, and the Giallorossi supporters want Roma back where they feel the club rightfully belongs: in the Champions League.
Italy is considered one of the top footballing nations in Europe, and as a result, Serie A has numerous European qualification spots. The top four teams are sent directly into the Champions League, fifth and six into the Europa League, and seventh into the Conference League.
As things stand, Roma sit in third place in the Serie A table. They have 53 points from 29 games played, recording 16 wins, five draws, and eight losses. If the league were to finish today, Roma would be guaranteed a Champions League spot. However, with nine games left to play, and with things so tight at the top of the table, anything could happen.
AC Milan and Inter Milan, both formidable opponents, are hot on Roma’s heels, one and two points behind respectively. They will both be vying to secure a Champions League spot next season, so Roma can expect to have to fight to keep their place.
Is the Champions League Critical to Mourinho’s Future?
If things continue as they are, Roma will be playing Champions League football next season. They are currently in a position of strength, which would almost make things worse if they were to capitulate now. If that did indeed happen, supporters would certainly be questioning Mourinho and he could come under serious pressure.
