Ranieri reaction after Torino win

Here's what the coach had to say...

You surprised us a little at the start with Alexis Saelemakers and Matias Soule out wide in that 4-3-3, but as it turned out that's exactly how Roma won the match.

“I saw that we did some good things in the second half against Milan, although they were playing with ten men. So I explained what we needed to do to play 4-3-3 and when to switch to a five. It was a double formation: when they had the ball we'd go with five and when we had it we played with the three up top.

“The lads really wanted to win and I'm happy about that because since the very start I've said we must fight till the final second of the final match and then see what we've managed to achieve. We didn't manage to get into the Champions League and I'm really sorry about that for the fans – credit to Juventus – but we gave it everything we had. When you give your all, you can leave the pitch satisfied.”

You've given us lots of beautiful football stories and this Roma team is another one.

“It is. When I'm in the middle of a battle I don't think about many things. Maybe in a few months or years I'll look back at my career.”

Did the choice of coach depend on Roma getting Champions League football?

“No.”

How have you and the club managed to keep the name of the coach a secret?

“It's quite incredible. You know exactly what Roma is about [Ranieri is speaking to Luca Toni]. Everyone is going crazy. When the chairman wants to say it, I think it's only right that he should be the one. He's the owner and it's up to him to say who the Roma coach will be next season.”

Considering the results since January, Roma would be top of the table. What does that mean? That if you'd joined sooner, you could have aimed for something more?

“No, I don't think so.”

You shook up the team though.

“It's true, there was a shake-up, but I don't think you can say that because I took over the team at the lowest point. The lads' morale had hit rock bottom. Their confidence was shot. So I kept things simple and tried to restore confidence, unite the team and give them the credibility they deserve.

“I was lucky because the fans know me and they know I don't blow smoke in anyone's eyes. They know I tell the truth 90% of the time – because I always say that the only people who lie more than players are coaches who used to be players. But they know they can trust me and they helped me by welcoming me with love.

“We lost our first two games against Napoli and Atalanta, then we lost to Como and again to Atalanta. Those were our only defeats in the league but the lads always gave their all in every game and I think that's fundamental.”

You've left us with a model, an example. You've left us with something that will go down in history as 'Claudio Ranieri' and we all want to thank you publicly and sincerely.

“Thank you, to all of you. I'll take these compliments because they're very nice.”

Enjoy your holiday then.

“I think I'll work even more now. But I like working. I like being involved in football. We'll do everything we can to be remembered with the same affection on the other side.”