Daniele De Rossi’s dismissal has shocked the insiders and his fellow coaches. A peculiar choice, especially after just four league games and a three-year contract signed three months ago. Yet the now ex-Roma coach risks finding himself in excellent company. Paulo Fonseca’s position on the Milan bench is increasingly in the balance. The victory against Venezia was erased by the Champions League defeat against Liverpool. It would be a unique case for a double dismissal in a big club at the start of the season, with lower-ranking clubs instead intending to continue with their coaches – at least for now.
Paulo Fonseca’s situation is now compromised or – to be honest – already defined. It is clear that the Portuguese coach does not enjoy (anymore) the trust of the Rossoneri management that will make the former Lille coach – through the dismissal – fall for some wrong market choices and a non-existent planning.
At this point the question arises: what is the point of continuing the relationship with Paulo Fonseca? What could change, possibly, with a victory in the Derby against Inter?
Snatching three points in Sunday night’s match would allow Fonseca to gain just seven more days in view of the new tour de force, returning to the brink at the first misstep. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who has defined himself as the boss – must make a clear, immediate decision. Does he intend to guarantee much broader trust in the Portuguese coach, protecting him from protests and criticism or is there no trust but is he simply waiting for the right opportunity to fire him? If his thinking is closer to the second option, an immediate dismissal is better. But then let’s not talk about planning, gradual growth and so on, terms that have no value behind a lack of trust born three months after a signed contract and a month after the official start of the season.