Few Roma fans 'have anything positive to say' on the Friedkins
- Published
Andy Mattioli from the RomaPress Podcast says fan attitudes are changing towards AS Roma owners The Friedkin Group because of the side's poor start to the season.
The Italian giants are currently in 12th after winning just three of their opening 12 games. Mattioli told BBC Radio Merseyside: "You would be hard pressed to find someone in Rome right now that would have something positive to say about the Friedkins."
The US-based group, led by chairman Dan Friedkin, reached an agreement to buy Farhad Moshiri's majority 94% stake in Everton back in September.
"The main reason for this mess is not just the results, but also the players not accepting Daniele de Rossi being sacked," Mattioli said.
"When Jose Mourinho was sacked, that was a big blow but the Friedkins made the smart choice to appoint a club legend. They knew fans wouldn't rebel against De Rossi.
"His sacking then took everyone by surprise. The Roma fans are very expressive so, for the last two months, they have shown it. They have hung banners, deserted the Stadio Olimpico and the ultras have walked out on a number of occasions.
"There is a tense atmosphere which has come from the Friedkins - whether they realise it or not - disrespecting a club legend.
"The fans are angry. Many of them are saying: 'Sell us - because in four years you have clearly misunderstood what we are all about.'
"Unfortunately all of the money they have invested, the Conference League trophy they won, the fact that they have improved the finances of the club, and brought in big names, has been completely forgotten."
It has been a tumultuous few years at Goodison Park during Moshiri's tenure, with many fans anticipating brighter days under the prospective new owners.
"They have always been very determined in their actions," Mattioli said of the Friedkins. "If something isn't working, they cut to the chase and get rid of that person.
"It has happened on a number of occasions - they have always been very swift. If they come to Everton, they are coming in with the ambition of raising this team from the dead.
"This Everton team is struggling and it wants to aspire to better things, rather than just fighting relegation, and that is what the Friedkins will be focusing on.
"Roma fans are also fearing the Friedkins might get sidetracked thinking about the brighter lights, bigger prestige and greater stage of the Premier League."