In an exciting Europa League clash, Roma held Tottenham to a 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The match saw both teams earning a valuable point, with Tottenham reaching 10 points and Roma moving up to six in the group standings. Claudio Ranieri, Roma’s manager, shared his insights on the game during a post-match interview.
Ranieri began by addressing the team’s recent performance against Napoli, expressing dissatisfaction but highlighting the necessity for improvement. “I wasn’t happy with the match against Napoli, but we needed to respond,” Ranieri stated. “Today I was clear with the team: ‘Understand me, I don’t want a team that just sits back.’ The fans love a team that tries to win.”
He praised Mats Hummels for his significant contribution to the team’s defense. “Hummels has incredible experience. He provided calmness and security even though he’s not yet in top condition. I’m convinced he can do well in Roma’s defense,” Ranieri added.
Ranieri also acknowledged Tottenham’s speed and spirit, noting Roma’s tactical adjustments. “They have incredible sprinters. I like Tottenham’s spirit. We did well by changing our attacking front,” he commented.
Concluding the interview, Ranieri emphasized the importance of continued effort and development. “We need to work hard. Only through hard work can we achieve results. Today, the team realized it has quality. Dybala played one half, which was more than enough; I didn’t want to risk him further,” he concluded.
