Ranieri: We must keep believing we can do it

Alessandro Florenzi and Edin Dzeko scored the goals for the Giallorossi, keeping the side in the hunt for a top-four finish - and a place in next season's Champions League.

“We must continue believing that anything is possible," Ranieri said.

"It doesn’t depend on us and we know that perfectly well, but we must get to the end of the season with our conscience clear.”

Do these matches serve a purpose for next year, teaching you that in some games you need to learn how to deal with the pressure?

“Having been in this position already, and as a local and a fan of this club, I’ve seen life, death and miracles of all sorts. My message is as follows: I’ve travelled around the world and I’ve always established a bond based on loyalty with my players. I demand the utmost from them and there’s mutual respect between us. We have a laugh and a joke, but when we walk out onto the pitch we have to give our all.”

This is the fourth match in which you haven’t conceded. How much depends on [Antonio] Mirante or other factors?

“It depends on a lot of things. I don’t want us to press too high up the pitch. We did that twice and Juventus cut us apart really well in two touches. When we protect our four defenders, they feel more secure and the opposition has less space. This is the result of the tactical discussions we have during the week.

"It doesn’t mean that we don’t want to attack. At times today we were too frenetic and in the first half we messed up a few passes where we should have shown more calmness.”

Was this the best way to set up this team?

“I don’t have a particular football creed. I adapt according to the players I have at my disposal, I try to understand their attributes and choose the best, but obviously I must also ensure the team is balanced. I may be criticised if one guy plays and another doesn’t, this is part of the game.”

Would you accept a role as advisor for the club to help someone develop into the head coach role?

“When I was first contacted this was suggested, but I still enjoy coaching and I want to coach. I’m finished here at the end of the year.”

Have you already identified where this team needs to be strengthened going forward?

“The club knows what they need to do better than I do and, quite righty, they’re waiting until the end of the season to see where we are.”