Accompanied by the yellow-and-red team’s coach, Ranieri, the German defender has also taken part in the press conference on the eve of the clash against the Spurs.

With Ranieri, Mats Hummels, too, participated in the press conference on the eve of Tottenham-Roma, scheduled for Thursday, November 28, at 21:00, valid for the fifth day of the League Phase of the Europa League. Here are the words of the German defender. “How important is the race against Tottenham and how has the defensive system of play changed from Juric to Ranieri?”

“Tomorrow’s match is extremely crucial. To try and place ourselves among the top eight, this might perhaps be our last chance. However, these are also valuable points up for grabs in order to qualify us for the playoffs, it’s a substantial opportunity to reverse the trend. It’s a match against a formidable and complex opponent, but also a grand opportunity to prove that we can play at a significantly higher level. For me, as a defender under Ranieri, we play more as a unit and less man-to-man, even if it may occasionally occur. “What truly matters is accomplishing our duty well tomorrow.”

How do you feel about this very moment?

“Ever since my arrival, I have found a group that has consistently operated with sincerity and excellence. In my career, I’ve experienced a period far more challenging than this one, at Borussia Dortmund: we were last in the standings after 19 rounds, an absolutely wild season. In such cases, all you can do is continue to work hard and believe in yourself more, if we do this, we will play better and score more goals. “We have incredibly talented offensive players; we should put them in the best situations to shine. If we do this, I am confident that things will significantly improve.” “Did he explain why he played so little and if he ever regretted coming to Rome?” “When I came here, I hadn’t been training for three months and had to find my best condition, then it was the coach’s technical decision which I obviously respected even though I was hoping for something different. Now I am sure more opportunities to play will arise, it is up to me to prove to the club and to the fans that I am capable of playing at my level and to repay everyone’s trust. What counts now is trying to reverse the trend, not only on a personal level but as a team, to align with expectations. I have no regrets about coming to Rome, I’m certain this will be a story with a happy ending. “What is your impression regarding the evolution of Tottenham?” “It’s a remarkable, impressive evolution. A team that presses high and plays with clear ideas, has great players and individuality. One of the young defenders, among my favorites, is Van de Ven: he has incredible bursts of speed. This is a team that applies a lot of pressure, that will put us under stress tomorrow and will want to engage the entire stadium, it’s up to us not to be intimidated and withstand this impact. “I expect a difficult game, against an excellent team, which is one of my favorites in the world.”

“Have you ever been close to transferring to the Premier League and why did it not happen?” “I have been close several times, it never happened for various reasons but I don’t think this is the right place to discuss it: when I retire I will have time to do so.” “It has always been great to come and play here in England, against opponents in European competitions and in the Champions League.”

“What are your thoughts on Werner and Son?” “I know Timo very well, I’ve played with him many times before.” He is a strong player who scores many goals, even though he is currently going through a less than bright period. I am confident that he will find his way back to scoring, hopefully starting from Friday and not tomorrow. Son is an extraordinary player. When we faced him in Hamburg, he managed to score against us and led to their victory. Then in 2018 in Russia, the same narrative unfolded against Germany. “He is a player who is incredibly fast, ambidextrous, well-rounded, and incredibly strong both inside and outside the penalty area.”