Despite opportunities to take a job at the biggest clubs in the world, “Monchi” Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo opted to remain at Sevilla as their sporting director for 17 years. He came through the club’s youth academy, spending over 30 years there in all capacities. But on Monday, he announced his new challenge.
AS Roma beats world’s biggest clubs to hiring world renown sporting director Monchi
After 30 years at Sevilla, Monchi has opted for another challenge instead of a super club.
Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
Instead of moving to a high-spending super club, Monchi has accepted a position as the sporting director of AS Roma. They have a bigger name and bigger transfer net spend than Sevilla, but not much bigger. Compared to Juventus, he has limited resources. It will be difficult for him to assemble a team to win Serie A, and even more difficult to put together a squad that can compete in the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
Monchi didn’t want a job at a club like Barcelona or Bayern Munich. He wanted a challenge.
“I will give everything I have to help Roma to climb as high as possible,” Monchi said in a message to supporters. “I won’t rest, even for a second, until we’ve achieved all the aims we have in mind.”
He continued, “What attracted me to Roma? Essentially the enthusiasm and interest that Roma have shown in me since day one, as well as the potential of this club, which definitely has the wherewithal to go on to achieve big things. Working for Roma really motivates me and the idea of helping Roma to obtain a lot of success makes me happy.”
Between Monchi’s arrival at Roma and the sale of AC Milan, Juventus might finally face some competition at the top of Serie A. It’s competition they’ll welcome — the Bianconeri were getting bored.
Classic goal compilation of the day
It would have been Johan Cruyff’s birthday today. Here are his 10 best goals for Ajax. (r/soccer)
While we’re here, read up on what makes Cruyff such a beloved and mythical figure.
In the news
Gareth Bale might miss the rest of the season with his injury. (Managing Madrid)
Here’s a fun rumor: LAFC is closing in on Chicharito. (Angels On Parade)
Nuri Sahin has signed a new contract at Dortmund. (BVB)
It’s possible that Daniel Sturridge has played his last game for Liverpool. (Liverpool Offside)
Hertha Berlin and USMNT star John Brooks has picked up a hip injury. (Stars and Stripes FC)
You should be reading
Noah Davis on the possibility of soccer banning heading. (The Ringer)
Neil Morris on summer soccer camps and AC Milan’s success stories from them. (The Gentlemen Ultra)
Cesar Hernandez on the fringe El Tri players fighting their way into Juan Carlos Osorio’s plans. (ESPN FC)
What happened on Monday
Pre-Monchi Roma took apart Pescara and relegated them. (Chiesa Di Totti)
What to watch on Tuesday (click for listings, all times ET)
EPL: Chelsea vs. Southampton (2:45 p.m.) — A recent slip-up by the Blues has let Tottenham back in the title race. Things get really interesting if they drop points again.
DFB-Pokal: Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Eintracht Frankfurt (2:45 p.m.) — The less glamorous of the two German Cup semifinals, but it’s a cup semifinal nonetheless.
La Liga: Atlético Madrid vs. Villarreal (3:30 p.m.) — Maybe the best game of the day. Atléti is trying to hold off Sevilla for third place, while Villarreal has an outside shot at catching Sevilla for fourth.
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