Guido Fienga, former Roma CEO, shares his thoughts on working with José Mourinho, describing him as super intelligent and skilled, but withholding a third descriptor for reputational reasons.
Guido Fienga, the former CEO of Roma, has spoken candidly about his experience working with José Mourinho, the Portuguese manager who was appointed by the Giallorossi in 2021. Fienga admits that it wasn’t easy working alongside Mourinho, but despite the challenges, they maintain an excellent relationship.
According to Fienga, Mourinho is “super intelligent” and “skilled at his job,” but he’s hesitant to share a third descriptor, citing reputational concerns for both himself and Mourinho.
Fienga’s tenure at Roma was marked by several challenging moments, including the decision not to extend Daniele De Rossi’s contract in 2019.
However, his experience working with Mourinho was particularly noteworthy, given the manager’s tendency to clash with referees and the league. Fienga likened working with Mourinho to being a “firefighter in California,” highlighting the high-pressure nature of the job.
Despite the challenges, Fienga praises Mourinho’s intelligence and skill, saying he has a “great challenge” being his CEO. Their working relationship was brief, with Fienga leaving Roma in October 2021, just a few months after Mourinho’s appointment. Fienga then went on to join Al-Nassr, where he remained from September 2023 to December 2024.
In a revealing anecdote, Fienga shared that when he decided to leave Roma, Mourinho jokingly remarked, “Guido, there are only two alpha males in this club, and now one is leaving.” Fienga’s response was, “Good for you,” which he believes contributed to their maintained good relationship.
Fienga also highlighted Mourinho’s sense of humour, describing him as “very funny” in private. Their initial meeting was memorable, with Roma receiving four red cards in one of their first matches under Mourinho’s management. Fienga attributes their good relationship to the brief nature of their working partnership.
Fienga’s experience working with Mourinho provides valuable insight into the manager’s personality and working style. While he chooses not to disclose the third descriptor, it’s clear that Mourinho is a complex and multifaceted individual who demands respect and admiration from those around him. Despite their differences, they have managed to maintain a positive connection, which speaks volumes about their personalities and approach to their work.
