Juric explains continued Hummels absence for Roma: ‘CVs don’t matter’ | OneFootball

Roma coach Ivan Juric insists that his continued decision to omit Germany and Borussia Dortmund legend Mats Hummels from his starting line-ups is a tactical choice, and that he is not fussed by the previous accolades on a player’s CV.

Hummels joined Roma on a free transfer at the start of September, following the expiry of his deal with Dortmund at the end of the 2024-25 season.

The 2014 World Cup winner has still not played a single minute of competitive action since joining, despite Roma having played eight matches across Serie A and the Europa League since then.

Hummels told the press himself that he expected to earn his Giallorossi debut against Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa League on Thursday, but Juric ultimately went with a back three of Zeki Celik, Evan Ndicka and Mario Hermoso instead.

Mats Hummels in training with Roma (picture via www.asroma.com)

Why Juric still hasn’t played Hummels for Roma

Juric has previously said that he considers Hummels and Ndicka to be competing for the same spot. The coach clarified in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s game against Fiorentina that his decisions are purely based on what he sees in training.

“I choose based on what I see in training,” Juric said via TMW. “The ones who give me the most confidence play. Age, CVs don’t matter, it’s a technical choice.

“Hermoso is also not getting many opportunities, despite his experience at Atletico Madrid. Ndicka can become a top player at the right of the back three. Tomorrow he’ll have a difficult test against (Moise) Kean. There are no other reasons, it’s a technical choice.”