Her words: “Now let’s prepare well for the Bilbao match. A player like Lorenzo doesn’t need to be taught anything. “Hummels? Mats can do whatever he wants”

Claudio Ranieri spoke to Sky microphones after the match won against Empoli. Here are his words:

Fear of the last header? “Yes, I told the boys. I am a person of a certain age, you cannot keep me on tenterhooks until the end. We were supposed to close it, then if it ends in a draw, you question why it happened. “We knew that the second half of the season is tough for everyone, we’ve seen how those who played in Europe have somewhat blundered their match. I’ve put in boys who were hungry to play, leaving out players who have already spent much.”

The response from the players who had less playing time was positive. “I liked the whole team. “I don’t like the academy, but practicality. Good play is yes, but when it comes to scoring goals, it must be done.”

Shomurodov has missed several goals. “He is a fantastic lad, he hasn’t scored many goals, it’s somewhat in his pedigree. “He was very upset, but I told him not to worry. He has resolved so many matches for us and will continue to do so.” On Hummels and Celik. “I really enjoyed Hummels’ performance. “We will evaluate Celik tomorrow.”

«How many training sessions were needed to realize the immense technical value?»

“The technical value was already there. What has been crucial during the initial matches, even if they were lost, is the revitalization of enthusiasm and self-confidence among the boys. The squad is good. “I was convinced I was doing well, so honestly no. I put on my helmet and work, I want the same from the players.” The speaker’s tone mirrors his will to impose his work ethic onto his players, reflecting a sense of determination and focus. The underlying message suggests an intense, no-nonsense approach to their craft, fuelling anticipation for future endeavours. This narrative injects a sense of anticipation, expressing the speaker’s commitment to fostering a dedicated, hard-working team. “I simply state that thoroughbreds are seen in the final straight, I’m eager to see what we can accomplish in the final straight.”

Regarding the many changes. “I had already made some changes with the home game against Napoli, as well as with Venezia and Parma. I don’t reward anyone, I want to see them do what I instruct in training, with determination and aggression.” “Then there is room for improvement, the smallest things are the hardest to refine. They’ve understood the larger picture.”

RANIERI ON DAZN

Shomurodov was just missing a goal. “Yes, he was very upset, I told him to be in the right place at the right time, goals are made and missed, patience. I am of a certain age and they cannot play these pranks on me. But that’s okay, we played with humility. “When playing against teams fighting for survival, you must play with the same mentality and the same desire to win.”

“The high re-conquest is now a characteristic of Roma.” “Yes, we’re really honing in on this with our practice matches; the closer players need to apply pressure and make the ball carrier anxious. I’m pleased, but we still have some aspects missing, and those are the most difficult things to put in place.” On the Relationship with Pellegrini. “He played excellently today, gave a performance of quality and quantity, one cannot fault him. I told him that he hasn’t changed, and I had to find out what was wrong with this lad. The referees have altered their way of officiating and he has been left a bit behind. When a foul is committed against him, they only blow the whistle if it’s absolutely certain, not if he’s subjected to a borderline foul and he stops. I told him not to stop and to react because that’s the only thing he lacks. For a player like Lorenzo, there is nothing to teach. One must rewind the tape and erase the notes he previously had to relate with the referees. “Paredes and Koné in Focus. A visit to Rome does Hummels some good.” “Mats can do whatever he wants (laughs, editor’s note), he is a German who came to play in Rome, he is getting to know the city but he’s doing well. Like everyone else, I want to win all the matches, whether I put one or the other in depends on who I believe is the best fit against that particular opponent. I bear no grudges against anyone. I have switched teams with Naples, Venice. The players know that if they train well and follow what I ask, they have the chance to play like others.”

RANIERI IN PRESS CONFERENCE

Pleased with yet another excellent performance or angered over the last golden ball? “I expected it, when you give so much sometimes you reap less. “When you play against a team fighting to avoid relegation, you must give it your all until the last whistle. I had asked them to be wholly invested in the match, then if we have higher quality, I believed it would shine through.” The important thing was to create opportunities, even though it’s a shame we didn’t capitalize on them. One cannot train cynicism; there are players with a certain DNA, but sometimes you find yourself short.”

As for individual performances, Pellegrini made a fantastic showing once again. “The captain truly delighted us today, particularly in the first half. He consistently played for the team, while some were merely playing for themselves.” “But I won’t say who.”

Is Saelemekers having some physical issues? How did he see the newcomers?

“I’m not concerned with how many games they’ve played, I wanted players who could immerse themselves in the reality of Empoli. I’ve made several player swaps because Thursday’s match drained quite a lot of nervous energy. His time will come, in this situation I was needing more of a forward rather than a wing who plays forward. “I have no problems introducing new players who commit and show what I want.”

“How does it feel to coach the best form team in the league?”
“I forget all the water that has passed, I look forward. I’m already thinking about the upcoming games, this is my way of thinking and working.”

“What must you do on Thursday to get through the round?
“A great game with a spirit of sacrifice. “Why there, we are up against an entire fantastic people, the Basques. We need to be coordinated and play a great game to come out of it,”

Was he expecting the swiftly responsive Roma of the first half? “I was expecting to play a nice game, because I see the boys training. Perhaps we were a bit disjointed, but the most important thing is that we went in with great humility. We played with enormous determination and a spirit of sacrifice. “More than playing well and creating opportunities”