New Everton Owners, The Friedkin Group, Seek New CEO for AS Roma
In a significant move within European football, The Friedkin Group has turned its attention to appointing a new chief executive officer for AS Roma, right on the heels of securing ownership of Everton. The departure of Lina Souloukou from her CEO position at Roma has catalyzed this process, with the club expressing gratitude for her contributions through a formal announcement.
The Friedkin Group, fronted by American entrepreneurs Dan and Ryan Friedkin, has been busy orchestrating a harmonious transition following its acquisition of Everton. However, the pressing task now is to fill the vacant CEO position at Roma, a responsibility they seem to be taking very seriously. The club's swift move to find a successor indicates their awareness of the turmoil that can be brought by leadership vacuums, especially in the high-stakes arena of professional football.
Umberto Gandini, a Seasoned Contender
Among the leading candidates for the role of CEO at AS Roma is Umberto Gandini, a seasoned executive with a robust history in football administration. Gandini, who previously chaired Roma, brings a wealth of experience and an intimate understanding of the club’s dynamics. His credentials make him a formidable candidate to guide the club through the myriad challenges that lie ahead.
During his tenure at Roma, Gandini was known for his pragmatic approach and his ability to navigate the intricate landscape of football governance. His potential return is viewed by many as a stabilizing force capable of fostering both financial stability and competitive success on the field. The Friedkin Group's interest in Gandini underscores their strategy of surrounding the club with experienced, competent leadership to ensure continuity and growth.
Giampaolo Montali, a Veteran of the Sensi Era
Another key figure under consideration is Giampaolo Montali, who served as an executive during the Sensi administration. Montali's name surfaces as a potential candidate who could bring a blend of historical insight and progressive management to the table. His reputation as a diligent and strategic leader precedes him, making him a viable option for the role.
Montali's association with the club during the Sensi years lends him a unique perspective on its cultural and operational fabric. Should he be appointed, his familiarity with Roma's traditions and fanbase could pay dividends in stakeholder relations and community engagement, areas deemed crucial for any modern football club’s success.
Other Contenders: Vlado Lemić and Zbigniew Boniek
In addition to Gandini and Montali, The Friedkin Group is also looking at other noteworthy candidates. Vlado Lemić and Zbigniew Boniek, both possessing rich footballing backgrounds, have been mentioned in the mix. Boniek, in particular, brings a storied history as a former striker for the Giallorossi and a legacy that resonates with the club’s history.
Lemić, a respected figure in the footballing circles, could bring a fresh perspective to Roma’s administration. His understanding of player dynamics and market trends might introduce innovative approaches to talent acquisition and development—vital aspects in modern football management.
Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Rosella Sensi
Interestingly, rumors within the corridors of Roma’s offices suggest a possible return of Rosella Sensi, a name synonymous with the club's past glories. However, this speculation remains just that—speculation. Sensi's return, although intriguing, appears less likely given the current strategic direction being undertaken by the Friedkin Group.
Rosella Sensi's tenure is remembered fondly by many fans due to her efforts in steering the club through challenging times. Her leadership marked a significant chapter in Roma’s history. Nonetheless, the club seems to be looking firmly towards the future, prioritizing new leadership that aligns with their current objectives and vision.
A Strategic Decision for Roma's Future
As The Friedkin Group advances in its efforts to appoint a new CEO, the choice they make will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications. The new CEO will play a crucial role in shaping the club's competitive strategy, financial health, and overall direction in the coming years. Their decision will reflect their broader ambitions for Roma and their commitment to seeing the club thrive under their stewardship.
Professional football is a realm where leadership decisions can turn the tide for a club. In Roma's case, the incoming CEO will need to balance the preservation of the club's rich heritage with the imperatives of modern sports management. Achieving this balance will be essential not just for immediate success but for the sustainable development of the club in a highly competitive industry.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as The Friedkin Group navigates this critical juncture for AS Roma. The coming weeks and months will be telling as the new era unfolds, with hopes that the chosen leader will guide the club to new heights of achievement.
Sihle Tana
I am a journalist with a passion for covering daily news in Africa. My work has taken me across the continent, reporting on significant events and stories that impact communities. I strive to bring insightful and comprehensive news coverage to my readers.
So they’re hiring a CEO for Roma but still haven’t fixed Everton’s midfield? Classic Friedkin move.
This is all a distraction. The Friedkins are laundering money through Serie A while the fans starve. You think Gandini’s gonna fix that? LOL.
Honestly, I’m just glad someone’s thinking long-term. Most clubs treat leadership like a revolving door. Gandini’s got the institutional memory. That’s rare.
The structural integrity of football governance hinges on the alignment of executive agency with institutional ethos. Gandini’s tenure under the Sensi administration demonstrated a rare confluence of fiduciary prudence and cultural stewardship - a paradigm rarely replicated in the post-privatization era. His reappointment would constitute not merely a personnel decision, but a hermeneutic restoration of club identity.
I just want someone who won’t make the tickets $200 again. 😭
Boniek? Really? He was a great player but has zero administrative experience. This isn’t a Hall of Fame induction, it’s a CEO search. Someone needs to stop these sentimental votes.
I heard Rosella Sensi is coming back and she’s gonna fire everyone and start a fan council. The drama is real. I’m not even mad, I’m impressed.
Why are Americans running everything now?? 😡 Roma is ITALIAN! They don’t need some CEO from Texas telling us how to run our club! #RomaForever
Same thing happened in Nigeria. Foreigners buy clubs, then they fire the local legends. Don’t be fooled. This is neocolonialism with a football jersey.
Umberto Gandini? He’s the guy who kept Roma alive during the 2008 financial mess. He knows the players, the staff, the fans... and the weird guy who sells scarves outside the stadium. He’s the only one who can bridge the old and new. No one else has that.
Gandini’s the pick.
I mean… Montali’s got the Sensi vibe but Gandini’s got the receipts. And honestly? I’d rather have someone who’s actually been in the room than someone who just remembers the good old days.
I think they should pick someone from inside the club, like a youth coach or the head of academy? Maybe someone who actually knows what the fans want? 🤔
It’s worth noting that Gandini’s prior leadership coincided with Roma’s highest UEFA coefficient ranking in the 2000s. If the Friedkins are serious about UEFA competitiveness, his track record is unmatched among candidates. The data doesn’t lie.
I just hope they don’t change the crest. I cried when they changed the font last time. 😢
I read the whole thing. Still not sure who they’ll pick. But I’m glad someone’s thinking about it.
Wait-did they consider the possibility that Gandini might be too close to the old regime? What if his return signals stagnation? What if the Friedkins are using him as a decoy to mask a deeper, more radical restructuring? The silence from the board is... telling.
I get why people are excited about Gandini, but let’s not forget Roma’s fans are the real heartbeat. No CEO can replace that. Maybe they should just let the fans vote?
This is a disgrace. A foreign entity takes over a historic Italian institution and now they’re appointing a CEO like it’s a Fortune 500 company. Where’s the Italian pride? Where’s the soul? This is cultural erasure.
The notion that fan voting constitutes viable governance is a romantic fallacy. Institutional continuity requires expertise, not popularity contests. Gandini’s operational acumen-his ability to reconcile financial constraints with sporting ambition-represents the only viable pathway forward. Sentimentality, however nostalgic, is not a strategy.