AP2010
COMMENT: Roma yet to win over whole fanbase
Wrong. Despite Roma taking first place in Serie A for the 18th time in three years, the faithful aren’t as united in happiness as one might imagine. Some, in particular, are still not happy with the team from an aesthetic point of view.
To be fair, they are opposed by a majority, those who are happy the club is where it is, and are as faithful as ever to the Giallorossi, the same majority that is delighted with the club’s fifth win in a row.
Though dismissed by their opponents as antiromanistas, those critical of the current team are simply afraid that this honeymoon won’t last, their trust broken time and time again over the years.
The defence hasn’t exactly won them over, own goals like this one from Kostas Manolas costing them a hard-earned point against Sampdoria a few weeks ago. With Maicon always injured, they’re not so happy with the quality of the full-backs, either.
The apostates, if you can call them that, don’t like the quality of the football, either, and even go as far as criticizing Edin Dzeko for helping out the team instead of scoring.
But most of all, they’re critical of third-year coach Rudi Garcia. Previously untouchable, thje former Lille manager now has every move he makes scrutinized.
But how is it possible, you ask? Well, things have changed. This part of fanbase has been burned too many times (and a number of second places), and its first response is to question, not trust.
The faithful are so scarred that they’re unable to see the good in this team. Even last year, Roma came second. They admittedly didn’t really compete for the Scudetto after January, but they were still far better than anyone apart from Juve, at least until April.
Much alike what is happening in Milan, Roma are winning games, but have yet to win over their whole support base, one known for its burning passion and its undying loyalty. Hopefully, the follow weeks will bring out the best of the Giallorossi.
