Behind the Scenes with José Mourinho: Insights from Former Roma CEO

Guido Fienga, the former CEO of AS Roma, has shared intriguing details about his brief yet impactful experience working alongside the legendary José Mourinho during a turbulent four-month period at the club.

Taking the helm in 2021, Fienga was at the forefront when Mourinho joined the squad. Despite the short duration of their collaboration, he describes it as both a challenge and a privilege, marked by memorable moments and intense encounters.

Fienga encapsulates Mourinho in three words: ‘Super intelligent, skilled at his job, but I can’t reveal the third.’ His private moments with Mourinho unveil a lighter side of the coach, describing him as entertaining yet complex.

The initial encounter with Mourinho’s coaching style came with a shocking twist: four red cards in one of their first matches together. Fienga humorously reflected that this was quite the initiation into Mourinho’s intense approach.

After departing from Roma in October 2021, just shortly after Mourinho’s arrival, Fienga took his talents to Al-Nassr, where he remained until late 2024. His departure quote from Mourinho revealed a candid respect: ‘Guido, there are only two alpha males in this club, and now one is leaving.’ Fienga’s witty response, ‘Good for you,’ hinted at the lighthearted yet competitive nature of their relationship.

Fienga candidly noted that managing a coach known for his fiery disputes with referees and league officials felt akin to ‘being a firefighter in California.’ However, he expressed his admiration for Mourinho's intelligence and prowess, underscoring their ongoing rapport.

Mourinho's Roma Legacy: Triumphs and Trials

Mourinho’s tenure at Roma included a historic moment when he led the club to their first European trophy since 1961, clinching the Europa Conference League title in 2022 against Feyenoord. He further led Roma to the Europa League final in the 2022-23 season, only to fall short against Sevilla in a nail-biting penalty shootout.

In January 2024, after a disheartening streak of results, Mourinho was dismissed from his role. Shortly after, he stepped into the managerial position at Fenerbahce in June 2024, but his time there was cut short just over a year later as he failed to secure a spot in the Champions League group phase.

As the football world continues to revolve around Mourinho, Fienga's candid reflections provide a rare glimpse into the complexities of working with one of the most decorated coaches in football history.