The Shift Toward the “English-Style” Manager Model
In modern football, the traditional divide between the head coach and the Sporting Director (DS) is increasingly under scrutiny. The recent discourse at AS Roma highlights a growing desire for a more integrated approach, often referred to as the “manager” role seen in the English Premier League.
Gian Piero Gasperini has advocated for a system where the coach and the DS operate as a joint unit, sharing responsibility for the squad’s construction. This model aims to eliminate the common friction where a DS signs players the coach cannot utilize, or a coach requests profiles the DS cannot identify.
According to Gasperini, the ability to operate as a team is determinant. He emphasizes that the coach must play a specific role in the transfer market, working hand-in-hand with the DS to ensure that the technical requirements of the pitch align perfectly with the strategic acquisitions of the club.
Navigating the Friction: Coach vs. Senior Advisor
The separation of Claudio Ranieri from his role as senior advisor serves as a case study in the dangers of overlapping authority. Despite a contract that ran until 2027—valued at 1.5 million euros—the relationship ended prematurely due to fundamental disagreements.
The conflict centered on three critical pillars: the transfer market, medical staff, and communication. When a “senior advisor” and a head coach hold diverging views on these core operational areas, the resulting tension can destabilize the entire sporting project.
Gasperini has maintained that he remained outside these disputes, focusing strictly on the football. However, the outcome is clear: the Friedkin family has opted for a streamlined leadership structure, placing full confidence in the technical guidance of Gasperini to lead the club forward.
The Fragile Synergy Between Coach and Sporting Director
Even without a senior advisor, the relationship between the coach and the Sporting Director remains a volatile variable. The admission of a lack of “adequate feeling” between Gasperini and Frederic Massara underscores that professional respect does not always translate into operational synergy.
Gasperini noted that while he provided freedom in recruitment and focused his requests specifically on offensive reinforcements, the lack of a natural “feeling” persisted. This dynamic often leads to a “machine of mud” (macchina del fango) in the media, where internal disagreements are amplified into public crises.
For a club to succeed, the partnership between the bench and the front office must be more than just professional; it requires a shared vision. When this synergy is missing, the ownership must eventually decide who becomes the primary reference point for the club’s future.
Integrating Elite Talent: The Dybala-Malen Dynamic
From a tactical perspective, the future of the squad depends on the successful reintegration of star players. The return of Paulo Dybala after a nearly 90-day absence presents a specific challenge in load management, and trust.
Rather than rushing a star player back into the starting lineup, the trend is shifting toward gradual reintegration. Gasperini has indicated that Dybala’s role will likely start from the bench, focusing on “habit and trust” in playing rather than just physical condition.
The potential pairing of Dybala and Malen is viewed as a significant value-add for the team. The ability to synchronize two high-profile attackers is often the difference between a mid-table finish and a competitive campaign, provided the defensive stability—which has seen recent dips—can be maintained.
For more insights on AS Roma’s current trajectory and Serie A tactical trends, explore our latest analysis on squad management strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Claudio Ranieri leave AS Roma?
Ranieri’s departure as senior advisor was the result of friction with Gian Piero Gasperini regarding the transfer market, medical staff, and communication, leading the Friedkin family to terminate the relationship.
What is the “English-style” manager role Gasperini mentioned?
It is a model where the head coach and the Sporting Director work as a joint pair with shared responsibility for the team’s composition and recruitment, rather than having separate spheres of influence.
Will Paulo Dybala start the next matches?
No, due to a 90-day absence, he is expected to be used as a substitute to regain match fitness and confidence.
Why was Jadon Sancho not signed?
According to Gasperini, the move did not happen because the club’s ownership decided against it.
Join the Conversation
Do you think the “English-style” manager model is the right move for Italian football, or is the traditional DS role still essential? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for deeper tactical breakdowns!
