As the highly anticipated Rome derby approaches, Roma’s manager Claudio Ranieri shared his thoughts in a pre-match press conference. The clash between Roma and Lazio is set for Sunday, and the capital city is buzzing with excitement.
Roma, reinvigorated after recent victories against Sampdoria and Parma, as well as a draw against Milan, aims to climb closer to the top positions in the league table. Ranieri is eager to deliver a win for the fans who have endured a tumultuous start to the season, marked by three managerial changes.
Derby Preparations and Team Spirit
Ranieri began by addressing the team’s readiness: “We’ve recovered everyone except Celik, who has a fever. As a fan, the derby represents everything. It’s the headline match, the one that’s felt the most intensely.”
He acknowledged Lazio’s current form while emphasizing the unique nature of the derby: “The league table is clear; they’re experiencing an exceptional moment. They play with speed and few touches – they’re a formidable team. But the derby always has its own story.”
Reflecting on his personal connection to the fixture, Ranieri shared, “As a young man, I used to go to the Curva Sud, which was still three-quarters Roma supporters then. We are a team; we’ve managed to come together again. We have our flaws, we’re not at 100% yet, but we’ve got the ship sailing again.”
Tactical Considerations and Player Management
When asked about Lorenzo Pellegrini’s role, Ranieri revealed a thoughtful approach to player management: “I feel a strong connection with Pellegrini. I’m not playing him due to my psychological assessment, though technically I consider him one of the best midfielders in Europe. He suffers from the pressure from fans, and I need to consider whether a player can handle that or if it affects them too much.”
Regarding tactical preparations, Ranieri noted, “Lazio plays well on the wings and centrally; they counter-attack at full speed. It’s the whole package, and I’m taking everything into account, just as I’m sure Baroni is doing.”
The Significance of the Derby
Ranieri emphasized the self-motivating nature of derby matches: “In managing the group, derbies charge themselves up. The fans make you feel it. We opened Tre Fontane, and the fans took it as motivation for the derby, though they didn’t need to give us anything extra because they give us affection and support in every match.”
He added, “Lazio wants to reach the Champions League, but perhaps I’m being rhetorical when I say that each derby stands on its own. The league table doesn’t matter.”
A Message to the Owners
Concluding the press conference, Ranieri sent a message to Roma’s ownership: “I believe we are all united. The ownership, staff, all of us are there pushing to do well. And the fans are doing their part too. The Friedkins have invested a lot of money; it’s time we gave them some satisfaction.”
