Claudio Ranieri, Roma’s current manager and future executive, recently shared his thoughts on the club’s situation and future in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. The experienced Italian coach offered valuable insights into his role, the team’s prospects, and his views on key players and club legends.
Reflecting on his return to Roma, Ranieri said, “In England, they say Rome wasn’t built in a night. No one has a magic wand. I was asked to put things back in order, also acting as an advisor. They had already asked me this at Chelsea, but I said no. In England, I don’t have the knowledge I have here to do things properly. Roma is my life, now I have more experience, I’m vaccinated against everything. And then I have the childhood dream of those who used to go to the Curva Sud. And I like the dual role, between coach and executive. Transfer market? With 2-3 additions, I would be satisfied.”
Regarding young talent Pisilli and the importance of experienced players, Ranieri explained, “He’s good, but there are also Baldanzi and Soulé, who I’m convinced will soon blossom. Young players need to be supported, helped. Instead, they found themselves in the open sea, alone. And we need to improve here too. That’s why I’ve focused on experienced people like Hummels, Paredes, Pellegrini, Cristante, and Mancini; they’re the ones who need to pave the way. If young players are intelligent, they treasure this and learn.”
On the topic of World Cup winners Hummels, Paredes, and Dybala, Ranieri stated, “They are three world champions. In football, there is no winning system; it’s the players who are winners. It was logical to start again from them. In general, I don’t want unhappy people. Paulo is a champion: if he wants to stay, he must stay. The contract? It’s not up to me, but to the presidency to decide whether to renew or spread it out. My job is the technical evaluation and to understand if he can be a valid player for the new coach. And this Dybala is.”
Addressing the situation with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, Ranieri expressed concern: “It’s the issue closest to my heart. Lorenzo is a wonderful boy and an exemplary professional. But he’s an atypical Roman, he doesn’t express emotions externally; in this, we are similar. However, he remains one of the best Italian midfielders. Now he needs to put a smile back on his face, but he also needs the help of the fans. Instead, it seems he has already been condemned. Will he recover? I don’t know, I hope so.”
When asked about club legend Francesco Totti, Ranieri revealed, “I need to understand what Francesco can and wants to do; the day will come when I’ll ask him. At Milan, Maldini was taken into consideration, but now there’s Ibra, and I don’t think they can coexist. Then there’s Del Piero who can do anything. We’re waiting to understand from Francesco what he wants to do.”
Finally, Ranieri touched on the possibility of coaching the national team: “Yes, there was a moment. Albertini often told me: ‘You were the only one who said no to me.’ And do you know why? Because Roma was always in the middle, which for me is something special.”
