Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is set to take over at Roma, according to reports in the Portuguese press.
The former Porto coach was dismissed by Roman Abramovich after failing to complete his revolution ‘project’ at Stamford Bridge, while caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo has since taken AVB’s side to both the Champions League and FA Cup Finals.
Reports from A Bola in Portugal have stated that AVB will take charge of struggling Serie A side Roma next season. The paper also claims that Valencia attempted to secure his services but were rejected in favour of a move to Italy.
Roma are currently lying seventh in the league and fans have started to turn against current manager Luis Enrique after a disappointing run of results, including a goalless draw against Chievo yesterday.
Enrique is previously quoted as saying:
“If I am not considered anymore the right coach for Roma I am going to leave without any problems.”
Villas-Boas is claimed to have had secret meetings with Roma general manager, and Fabio Capello’s former No. 2 with England, Franco Baldini while he was still Chelsea manager.
Andre Villas-Boas has experience in Serie A after serving on Jose Mourinho’s staff while he was at Inter. I thought that Inter is where AVB would end up next season, but the success of Inter former youth coach Andrea Stramaccioni has removed the need for the Nerazzurri to hire AVB.
As for Luis Enrique, the former Barcelona B manager has struggled in his first year making the transition for La Liga to Serie A. I would not be surprised to see him at a place like Valencia next season.
