Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Fri 24 April 2026 17:10, UK

The Friedkin Group have been involved in quite a lot of drama away from Everton this week at sister club AS Roma.

Roma advisor Claudio Ranieri’s outburst over manager Gian Piero Gasperini had threatened to ruin the harmony being built in the Italian capital.

Ranieri, despite being considered a Roma legend, was let go from his advisory role, with Dan Friedkin nailing his colours to the wall and backing the manager.

While the drama has happened away from Merseyside, the Friedkins ownership of Everton and their stance in this matter make it wholly relevant for any future decisions at Hill Dickinson.

The Everton manager will undoubtedly love the decision made in Rome, and it will make him breathe easier.

Why David Moyes will have sigh of relief at Everton

Managers and owners can often have a difficult and complex relationship, but it appears the Friedkin Group are doing their best to provide theirs with as much support as possible.

Even when internal drama threatens to overcast a season, the ownership are quick and decisive with their actions.

The decision to back manager Gasperini signals a clear intent from the Friedkins’ ownership at the Italian club.

They want clear footballing leadership, and they want minimal interference from the board in the on-pitch matters.

In that sense, it is a structure that is the polar opposite of other American owners in the Premier League, particularly Chelsea’s.

However, it also provides David Moyes with a safety net and fewer fears that oversight from above will hamper his work on the pitch and training ground.

The continuity in ownership where the Friedkins seek to back their managers amid internal pressure and allow them to continue progressing the football club will only be a positive for Everton.

In practical terms, the drama out of Rome simply provides Moyes with another degree of stability, and he can breathe easier knowing if anything similar happens in L3, the Friedkins will have his back or risk hypocrisy.

Friedkin’s must put money where their mouth is

The financial situations at Roma and Everton could not be more different.

The Toffees look to be in a healthy financial position after Everton earned a record turnover, but in Rome, the Serie A side look to be forced to sell.

Nonetheless, this is a big summer for the Blues, and with less focus on Roma’s transfer window, that could be good news for Everton.

The Friedkins want to push a show of support for their managers, but public statements can only go so far. Proper backing in the transfer market will prove their true intentions.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.