Having won just three of their last 12 games in all competitions, AS Roma have decided to fire manager Rudi Garcia, who had been in charge for two-and-a-half years
“On behalf of myself and everyone at Roma, I’d like to thank Rudi Garcia for all of his hard work since joining the club,” stated President James Pallotta. “We have all enjoyed some great moments during his time here.
“But now we believe that this is the right time for a change.”
Garcia took over Roma in 2013 and has led the Giallorossi to successive second place finishes but they have struggled for consistency this season. Since the 2-0 Derby della Capitale victory over Lazio in early November, Roma have won just once in all competitions, and went crashing out of the Coppa Italia to lowly Spezia.
Luciano Spalletti is set to replace Garcia until the end of the season, as Roma turn back to their former coach to lead them out of their recent slump.
The timing of this decision that makes me shake my head. Pallotta has obviously concerned with Roma’s form for a while, despite them being only five points off a Champions League place. If he was that concerned why not make the change during the winter break in order to give Spalletti a week to 10 days to work with the players before the Serie A season resumed? Instead of waiting less than a week since the season resumed to make the change? Seems like a lost opportunity for Spalletti and Roma.