Roma ultras were shocked by the dismissal of icon Daniele De Rossi and some blamed the players, confronting them at the training ground.
There seemed to be hardly any warning of what was to come this morning, when the club released a statement confirming De Rossi had been sacked.
He has officially been replaced by former Torino coach Ivan Juric, with a contract to June 2025, although there is reported to be an option to extend.
Meanwhile, the fans are furious, having already been enraged by the surprise firing of Jose Mourinho in January.
Some crowded outside the gates of the Trigoria training ground today and demanded an explanation from captain Lorenzo Pellegrini.
They accused the players of using coaches as “an excuse” for their failures on the field, having gone through so many in recent years.
Pellegrini replied “you don’t need to tell me” when insults were hurled at him.
Bryan Cristante was reportedly in a training ground scuffle with De Rossi earlier this month and he received much of the criticism at the gates, some shouting he was “just walking around” on the pitch.
It remains to be seen how Juric’s arrival will be seen by the supporters, but he won’t have long to wait, as his debut on the touchline will be at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening against surprise Serie A leaders Udinese.
Roma fans rage at players
“Non dovete dirlo a me”, questa la risposta di Lorenzo #Pellegrini alla contestazione dei tifosi a Trigoria pic.twitter.com/L6CYTdCipQ
— Romanews EU (@romanewseu) September 18, 2024
Anche Bryan #Cristante arriva a Trigoria
I tifosi contestano il centrocampista: “Stai camminando in campo” #DeRossi pic.twitter.com/pGqRWAwsTs— Romanews EU (@romanewseu) September 18, 2024
Why can’t these people accept the fact that Mourinho had lost his touch & De Rossi was never a good coach? Stop being so dramatic & nostalgic ! No wonder so very few trophies in their cabinet.