After chasing European titles with Jose Mourinho, Roma swiftly dismissed one of the greatest managers of all time at the first sign of trouble—trouble caused by a lack of offseason investment from one of the worst ownership groups in European football.
That same ownership group stumbled upon one of Serie A’s top rising managers in club legend Daniele De Rossi, only to dismiss the former Roma defensive midfielder early this season at the first hint of trouble once more.
As Roma struggles in the middle of the Serie A table with no clear tactics, a poorly built squad, and a weak attack, fans are left to witness the club disrespect a third modern-day legend of the game.
Roma signed Mats Hummels this past summer following his pivotal role in Borussia Dortmund’s unexpected Champions League Final run. However, he was forced out of the club he helped transform into a powerhouse a decade ago due to a manager on a power trip, who also drove club legend Marco Reus out.
Hummels opted for Roma over competitive offers from other prominent Serie A clubs like Bologna, yet, despite his clear talent, he has frustratingly not played a single match for the Giallorossi. Meanwhile, the club continues to start the very attacking wing-back Angelino at center back.
New Roma manager Ivan Juric responded to the puzzling absence of the club’s major summer signing at center back in a rather disrespectful manner, stating through Fabrizio Romano, “It’s my responsibility; I see him as a backup option for Ndicka; he will have his chances.”
Evan N’Dicka is a reliable center-back, but Hummels has consistently outshone him throughout his career, even in the same German league. Moreover, any concerns about Hummels’ athleticism at 35 are eased by playing in a back three, where he has less ground to cover.
Hummels could easily be starting ahead of Angelino now that he is fit. There is definitely a spot for him in Roma’s starting lineup, especially after his strong 2023/24 season with Dortmund. To suggest otherwise is outright disrespectful of Juric, a manager who arguably shouldn’t be coaching the Giallorossi at all.
Juric Explains Hummels’ Ongoing Absence at Roma: “CVs Don’t Matter”
Roma coach Ivan Juric has emphasized that his decision to keep Germany and Borussia Dortmund legend Mats Hummels out of the starting lineup is purely tactical. He stated that he doesn’t place importance on a player’s past achievements when making his selections.
Hummels arrived at Roma on a free transfer in early September, after his contract with Dortmund ended at the close of the 2024-25 season.
Despite Roma playing eight matches in Serie A and the Europa League since his arrival, the 2014 World Cup winner has yet to feature in any competitive action.
Hummels had expressed to the press that he anticipated making his Giallorossi debut against Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa League on Thursday. However, Juric opted for a back three consisting of Zeki Celik, Evan Ndicka, and Mario Hermoso instead.
Why Juric Has Yet to Feature Hummels for Roma
Juric has previously stated that he views Hummels and Ndicka as rivals for the same position ahead of Sunday’s match against Fiorentina. The coach outlined in his news conference prior to the game that his selections are solely based on what he observes in training.
“I choose based on what I see in training,” Juric said via TMW. “The ones who give me the most confidence play. Age, CVs don’t matter, it’s a technical choice.
“Hermoso is also not getting many opportunities, despite his experience at Atletico Madrid. Ndicka can become a top player at the right of the back three. Tomorrow, he’ll have a difficult test against (Moise) Kean. There are no other reasons; it’s a technical choice.”
Juric has previously stated that he views Hummels and Ndicka as rivals for the same position ahead of Sunday’s match against Fiorentina. The coach outlined in his news conference prior to the game that his selections are solely based on what he observes in training.
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