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February 2nd, 2013. AS Roma, one of Italy’s most celebrated clubs, were in complete doldrums. They had just endured a winless start in the Serie A in 2013, losing 3 games (including a 4-2 loss to Cagliari at home a day ago) and drawing 2. Thanks to Zdenak Zeman, Roma boasted the best goal-scoring record, and Francesco Totti was back to playing the way only he can. But they also had the worst defence in the league and they were the 8th best in the points table, the table that mattered most at the end. They had just fired their eccentric and uber-attacking manager Zeman and were in danger of losing the Europa League spot.
Once Zeman was shown the door, a list comprising of the top coaches to replace him made the rounds, names including Carlo Ancelotti, Laurent Blanc, Christian Panucci and Walter Mazzari among others. But the Giallorossi went the way AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus have over the past few years – they appointed an largely unproven or, in this case, a relatively unheard manager to bail their team out. Step forward Aurelio Andreazzoli.
The former Roma Technical Coach has helped Roma climb back into contention for a Europa League spot. They currently sit in the fifth position having notched up 5 wins and 2 draws in their last 10 games and have also made it to the final of the Italian Cup, where they will meet eternal-rivals Lazio. Now, with Andreazzoli having created the kind of impact the fans would have hoped for, it will be interesting to see if Roma stick on to the 59 year old come next season.
Roma’s problems before Andreazzoli cannot all be attributed to a hugely ambitious coach in Zdenak Zeman, but the drastic change in fortunes lately can be safely credited to more balance in terms of stratergy. Andreazzoli, who was appointed as Roma’s interim manager, has brought more stability and a defensive soundness to the team. Andreazzoli has shored up the defensive side of the team and the Giallorossi have only conceded at a little over 1 goal per game with their new manager at the helm. Compare this to a shambolic record of in excess of 1.8 goals every game, and one can safely assume that Roma are on the right track. Their attack has also been equally capable, scoring 14 goals since Andreazzoli took charge.
With the side being as inexperienced as it is, frailties remain as seen in the games against Palermo and Torino. But the biggest positive coming out for Roma has been the impact the change in manager has made on the players.
Winger Marquinho remarked about how happy the players and the dressing room is now.
“Andreazzoli has brought happiness, laughs, and we are always happy. Before we only attacked, now we have a better defence and concentration.”
Defender Leandro Castan too is a fan of the coach. “Now the Coach speaks with the players. Now there is harmony. Zeman didn’t say a single word to me in six months. Andreazzoli from the first day asked me what I liked and what I didn’t…I’m rooting for Andreazzoli to stay,” he said.
Going by the results Andreazzoli has delivered it certainly seems like he deserves an extension on his contract. A move even Andreazzoli thinks he deserves.
“I am absolutely ready to be the Coach next season. If I accepted the job now, why wouldn’t I in future? If I’m honest, I do think that I deserve to be confirmed in the job,” the Roma coach had said.
Perhaps, the greatest cheer for the Romanisti ever since Andreazzoli took over is the performance of their ‘big players.’ Maarten Stekelenburg has rarely had the heart-attacks he suffered so regularly before losing his place under Zeman. Daniele de Rossi has won his place back at the heart of the mid-field and adds some much needed solidity to the side while Miralem Pjani? too has added spark to the line-up with impressive displays. Add to this the good form maintained by attacking stalwarts Eric Lamela and Totti, and Roma have a few good weeks to look forward to.
Whether Andreazzoli will succeed to drive Roma to the top if he is given a longer rope only time can tell, but that time is certainly what the 59-year old has earned and definitely deserves.
