The Friedkins don’t sell dreams, but solid realities. Souloukou thought could be summarized like this. “Thanks to the investments and long-term commitment of the Friedkin family, the Rome aims to occupy an increasingly relevant position in the elite of European and Italian football”, said the Roma CEO yesterday on the sidelines of the European Globe Soccer Awards. “Dan and Ryan do not manage the club according to the American franchise model, respectful as they are of the uniqueness of European sporting culture,” she added. When the Super League case exploded, Roma was the only club, with American ownership, to firmly oppose that project in compliance with the values of European sport: meritocracy, open championships with promotions and relegations.” Souloukou then put to rest the rumors of a possible sale of the club: “I would like to reiterate one concept with the utmost clarity, so that there is no speculation: our ownership has no intention of selling and its is a long-term commitment. ”.
Finally on the management of Cannes, of which the Friedkin family is the owner: “Although profitable synergies for the two clubs cannot be ruled out in the future, according to the wishes of the owners, at the moment the management is well separated”. But if it is true that the Friedkin family wants to keep Roma at the top of European football, now we need to move from words to deeds.
Not that there has been a lack of attempts by the owners in recent years, but for one reason or another, in the end, the Giallorossi never went beyond sixth place. Too little to “awaken the sleeping giant”, as the Americans had defined the club on the day of its purchase. After the victory in the Conference it seemed like the right path, but then the lost final in Budapest and Mourinho’s dismissal forced the Friedkins to take a step back and start from scratch. De Rossi’s choice, from being a lightning rod, has turned into a far-sighted one. But now we need results.