Monchi flies to America as Roma’s managerial situation remains a mystery

It’s been just over 48 hours since Roma’s 3-2 victory over Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico. During

this time, the Giallorossi drew Porto in the Champions League, had their president hit out at local media for publishing fake quotes, while the club’s official Twitter account was embroiled in an argument with a notable Italian journalist.

What hasn’t happened during these last two days…an update on Roma’s managerial situation.

Eusebio Di Francesco seems to have staved off the sack for at least another week while sporting director Ramon Monchi flew to America to meet with club president James Pallotta. The meeting between the Spanish director and the American has been planned for some time, however, the timing couldn’t be any more appropriate.

Roma did manage to nab their first win in over a month against Genoa, however, the performance from Eusebio Di Francesco’s men was nothing short of putrid.

While the main topic of Monchi and Pallotta’s meeting revolves around the January transfer market, the pair will undoubtedly have to discuss the giant elephant in the room: what to do with Di Francesco.

Roma haven’t looked anywhere near the defensively stout and effective attacking side that dismantled Barcelona at the Stadio Olimpico just eight months ago. The Giallorossi have been unorganised and mentally frail since the start of the campaign — their current position of 7th in the Serie A table is, frankly, flattering.

While their first four months of the season have been a nightmare, Roma are miraculously only three points off 4th place and the final Champions League place.

With a place for next season’s Champions League still in reach, Roma have a massive decision to make in the coming days: do they continue with Di Francesco and risk a Champions League place or go in a new direction?

There’s certainly major risks in both scenarios – Roma have been toothless under Di Francesco all season and the club would be putting a huge amount of trust and faith in the former Sassuolo boss that he can turn things around despite all evidence pointing otherwise. Or do Roma bin Di Francesco in favor of a replacement?

The names available to replace the Italian tactician don’t instill loads of confidence as Paulo Sousa and Laurent Blanc have been the two most heavily linked with the Giallorossi bench.

With an always difficult away clash against Juventus awaiting Roma this weekend, the club are faced with an extremely tough choice. It’s unlikely that Roma will get anything from their showdown against the Bianconeri — but would a loss in Turin be the final straw for Di Francesco?

Monchi is due back in Rome by Thursday, and it’s very likely that he and Pallotta already have a plan in place should the club be tasked with finding a new manager. However, should Roma do the impossible and manage a result against Juve, Di Francesco will likely again ward off the voices calling for his dismissal.

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