Nainggolan On Mourinho's Roma Tenure: "This Coach Did Better"

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Post on Apr 28, 2025

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Nainggolan Sides with Spalletti, Claims "This Coach Did Better" Than Mourinho at Roma

Radja Nainggolan, the fiery midfielder who once graced the Stadio Olimpico, has reignited the debate surrounding José Mourinho's tenure at AS Roma. In a recent interview, the Belgian international surprisingly sided with former Roma manager Luciano Spalletti, claiming that Spalletti's time in charge was more successful. This statement is sure to ruffle feathers amongst the Giallorossi faithful, deeply divided on Mourinho's legacy at the club.

A Controversial Comparison: Spalletti vs. Mourinho at Roma

Nainggolan's comments, while brief, carry significant weight. He played under both managers during his time in Rome, experiencing their distinct managerial styles firsthand. While Mourinho delivered the UEFA Europa Conference League title, a significant achievement, Nainggolan believes Spalletti fostered a more positive and ultimately more successful team environment.

"Spalletti was able to create a stronger team spirit," Nainggolan stated. "We played with more fluidity and a clearer identity under him. Mourinho is a great coach, undoubtedly, but for me, this coach [Spalletti] did better at Roma." This statement highlights the key difference in opinion: the tangible trophy versus the intangible feeling of a cohesive team.

Analyzing the Contrasting Styles and Achievements

Mourinho's Roma saw a thrilling Europa Conference League victory, a welcome piece of silverware after years of relative trophy drought. However, the team's Serie A performances were inconsistent, failing to consistently challenge for the top spots. This inconsistency arguably fueled the criticism leveled at the “Special One” during his time in the Italian capital.

Spalletti, on the other hand, while not achieving European glory during his time at Roma, consistently steered the team towards competitive Serie A finishes and established a strong playing style. This, according to Nainggolan, fostered a superior team dynamic – a crucial factor often overlooked in evaluating managerial success.

The Legacy of Both Managers at AS Roma

Both Spalletti and Mourinho left indelible marks on AS Roma. Spalletti’s tenure was marked by exciting football and consistent top-four finishes, while Mourinho brought the club its first major European trophy in decades. The debate over which manager was ultimately "better" is complex and nuanced, dependent on the criteria used for evaluation.

• Mourinho's Pros: Europa Conference League win, strong individual player development.
• Mourinho's Cons: Inconsistent Serie A performance, perceived lack of team cohesion.
• Spalletti's Pros: Consistent high Serie A finishes, fostered a strong team spirit.
• Spalletti's Cons: Lack of major European trophy wins during his Roma tenure.

Nainggolan's opinion, while subjective, adds another layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding these two pivotal figures in Roma's recent history. Ultimately, the "better" manager is a matter of personal preference and the specific metrics used for judgment. But one thing is certain: Nainggolan's candid assessment has reignited a passionate debate amongst Roma fans and football pundits alike.