Ex-Roma CEO Guido Fienga has offered insight into what it was like working with José Mourinho, describing the Portuguese coach as both intelligent and difficult to manage.
Fienga, who oversaw Mourinho’s appointment in 2021, admitted that collaborating with the legendary manager was far from easy.
“Three words to describe him? Super intelligent, skilled at his job, but I can’t say the third one,” Fienga said on Thriving Minds with Alberto Zandi, via Gazzetta.
He recalled the early days of Mourinho’s tenure, which were marked by controversy, including four red cards in one of Roma’s first matches under his leadership.
Fienga also shared a humorous exchange from when he stepped down in October 2021, just months into Mourinho’s reign.
“Mou came to me and said, ‘Guido, there are only two alpha males in this club and now one is leaving.’ I replied: ‘Good for you.’”
After leaving Roma, Fienga later joined Saudi side Al-Nassr, a role he held until December 2024.
