Claudio Ranieri: We need to work together

Read what the Italian had to say as he prepares to oversee the Giallorossi for the final 12 games of the season.

Roma are no strangers to Ranieri – the 67-year-old was born a fan of the club, represented them as a player, and managed them for the first time between 2009 and 2011.

Let’s start with the emotions – what does it mean for you to return to Roma?

“For me coming back to Rome means a lot, it means everything. I have always been a Roma fan, since I was a child. I usually sleep a lot during the night – but last night, when I realised I had this opportunity, I could not sleep. And that’s always a good sign.”

What is it that ties you to this club so much?

“It’s my romanita. I was born in San Saba and I went to school in Testaccio. Roma is in my DNA, my whole life is linked with Rome.”

You’ve toured the training centre today – what has changed in the last eight years?

“It’s been a long day, but a great one – when you are doing something enjoyable you don’t feel any fatigue. Trigoria has definitely changed a lot, there are a lot of new things in place and the club has clearly built something worthy of an international squad. As a Roma fan, I can’t help but be delighted with that.”

After two defeats in the last two games, what will you say to the players?

“I will ask all the players to give their best, to help each other and work as a team. To represent the club like our fans want them to; to wear the shirt with pride, to represent the city with pride. Only like that will I be satisfied. Results are important, of course, but what interests me first and foremost is that for 90 minutes the players give everything they have.”

What is the first thing you will concentrate on for the rest of the season?

“The first thing I need to look at is the mindset of the players. After two tough defeats and the exit from the Champions League, of course the players are going to be a bit down – but that is already in the past.

"We need to re-start, as men do. I always try to face football like that, every day. We are lucky, we play a game and get well rewarded for it. I think I am a very lucky person. But as a result we need to give everything we have. We need to represent the shirt, the club and the fans.

"The fans are passionate and of course they are going to be upset when the team loses. But if you see that the team has lost in the last minute, with a referee not giving a penalty and not looking at VAR, you have to help boost the team. We will give everything for the fans.”

How have you changed as a coach in the last few years?

“I’ve changed, because when I started 32 years ago or so the game was different. If I am getting the call from Roma now, a side competing for the Champions League, then it means I know a thing or two. That desire to keep improving has never left me. I’m definitely a better coach than last year, or two years ago, or when I started in the game.”

Finally, do you have a message for the fans?

“I have already spoken with the squad, and I asked them to give me certain things. To the fans, I would like to say that this is a tough moment for the club – but we have 12 games to play. We have the chance to get back into the Champions League; the guys are a good bunch – perhaps some of the younger ones are still getting used to playing in an environment quite like this.

"So I would ask our supporters to stay close to the boys, especially in the tough moments. Because in the end those that want us to do well the most are the fans.”