Roma coach Claudio Ranieri addressed the media ahead of the Europa League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, sharing his thoughts on the team’s recent performance and preparations. In a pre-match press conference, Ranieri expressed his awareness of the challenges that lie ahead.
He began by acknowledging the strength of their opponents, stating, “It will not be an easy match, and we know that. They have won 13 out of their last 15 European matches and drawn 2. They are in excellent form.” He praised Tottenham’s style of play, saying, “They grind out games and press hard; it’s the kind of football I love. The coach is doing an excellent and wonderful job.”
Ranieri also discussed his interaction with Mats Hummels, who came to speak with him prior to the match. He noted, “Hummels is a fantastic player at the European level, not just because he will play.” He emphasized his calmness regarding the team’s performance, particularly after their recent match against Napoli: “I am serene in this regard because I was pleased with our performance in Naples. We lost due to a lapse in concentration, but the team reacted well and fought until the end. That’s what I asked of the players.”
When asked about Paulo Dybala’s condition and the importance of European competition, Ranieri remarked, “The cup is a significant motivation. I didn’t have friendly matches to evaluate my options here. We need to be very clever and intelligent.” He confirmed Dybala’s fitness: “Dybala has trained well and is not suffering from any pain. Tomorrow we will see; having Dybala is crucial for us.” He added that he initially hesitated to include Dybala in the Napoli match but ultimately decided to play him for a few minutes because of his ability to create opportunities.
Ranieri concluded by reflecting on his return to coaching: “When I decided to retire, I didn’t expect or wish to return. The only two teams that could bring me back were Roma or Cagliari. I believe Leicester will return to form soon, and I wish them well in overcoming this difficult period.”
