Jose Mourinho: Roma's squad transformation under iconic boss is incredible

Jose Mourinho has taken to life in Rome like a duck to water.

Sure, they did come sixth in the Serie A last year. But they did also win the Europa Conference League and in doing so lifted the club’s first piece of silverware in 14 years.

The bond between Mourinho and the fans is strong despite the short time he’s been at the club, and you just get the feeling something special could be brewing in Italy’s capital right now.

One of the key reasons for that feeling of optimism, besides the recent European success, is the new-look Roma side that Mourinho has cunningly formulated behind the scenes this summer.

When Mourinho joined the club in May 2021, the existing squad was an ageing, tired looking group. One that lacked an undertone of quality required to be successful in modern football.

A 35-year-old Edin Dzeko shouldered much of the responsibility up front. Henrik Mkhitaryan – who at this point was way past his best – played a key creative role in the team’s attacking hopes.

And many more players held important roles in the team that, to be honest, couldn’t quite cut it at the highest level.

Check out the original Roma team which Mourinho inherited just over 12 months ago below.

Credit: Transfermarkt Instagram

In truth, it’s not an awful strongest 11 of players but it’s hardly anything to write home about.

Gianluca Mancini is a great option in defence. Whilst Leonardo Spinazzola and Lorenzo Pellegrini represent the two other standout members.

However, comparing that team to what it would blossom into 15 months down the line brings some truly eye-opening results…

It’s been a busy summer in Rome, with Mourinho bringing proven quality to the city in the form of Paolo Dybala and Georginio Wijnaldum – two players