The coach’s words: “Pellegrini is introverted, but he must react to adversity. The players should find the child within them to play with that dream and that enthusiasm.”

Claudio Ranieri’s press conference is scheduled for two days before the match against Napoli, which is set for Sunday, November 24, at 6 PM. The coach is ready to return to the bench of the Giallorossi for the third time in his career. The return to a four-man defense remains an option. The situation surrounding Paulo Dybala, who has not trained with the group this week, continues to be a major topic of conversation.

How are Dybala and Hummels doing? “I saw Dybala for the first 20 minutes today, let me talk to him and the physiotherapists. I don’t know his routine, how many training sessions he needs to do before he is ready. Today, Hummels completed his entire training session after being unwell for two days. This leaves me at peace, able to make decisions as I please, and this is very significant.

How do you approach Conte’s Napoli?

“Before the championship started, I had said that they would finish first or second. Now it’s back in vogue, it’s going to be a good and difficult match, both for us and for them”.

Is this team having a winning mentality? “It’s hard to say it now. The players are competent, when you lose, you enter into a negative spiral, and my job is to boost their self-confidence again. The results are what matter, the results build self-esteem, trust in oneself and in teammates. The challenge is high-stakes, the arena of competition unyielding, it is up to the strong leadership to weather the storm. Of course, the quality is there; it’s an excellent team all around. They now need to be supported by me and everyone behind the scenes, especially the fans who are paramount, the very soul of the team. “The coach may be good or not, but it’s the fans who are the fuel of the team. Now we must be the ones skillful enough to pull them along with our performances and our eagerness to show who we truly are.”

What is Dybala’s problem? Is it mental? “We need to support the boy if he is experiencing this discomfort, it needs to be resolved quickly but surely. If it is confirmed that there is nothing wrong, then we will need to investigate even more regarding the reason for this pain. We are doing everything within our power to ensure he is amply available. He is always proactive, positive, I have been talking to him these past days. “I never want to risk my players, I’d rather lose them for a match than for a month. We have three consecutive matches, I want to talk with him and understand what he can give me,” the manager passionately asserted. This deeply captures the cautious yet strategic approach taken to ensure the team’s overall wellbeing and long-term success. “On the mood in the Roma square.” “First and foremost, I want to thank the fans for their affection. The pressure has always been there, if I didn’t feel it, I wouldn’t have chosen to return. The team needs everyone, it has underperformed, it has done worse. The stakes are higher than ever, we can feel the tension, the weight of the situation. Yet, we are pulling together, striving for a comeback, ready to tilt the scales in our favor. Every triumph, every loss- it all counts, propelling us forward. It’s not easy, but then again, nothing truly worthwhile ever is. This is more than just a game, this is our passion, our fight, our glory. No wizard is needed, what’s required is an ordinary person who instills confidence, and slowly the patient’s problems get resolved, if the team is indeed ill. I have always strived to bring out the child residing within my players. “We are in a wonderful profession, the one we’ve dreamed of since we were children. Now, we must go back and play with that same enthusiasm.” “We are no longer children, we are adults and vaccinated, obligated to those who pay us and to an entire nation. Then we can play fairly or poorly; they have already played well.” “Of course, if one is sick, they do not heal overnight. There are steps and we are ready to take them all together, as a company and as teammates, and I am convinced that the public will give us a hand”.

How is Dovbyk Doing? “He is having no issues and is doing well. I told the team that he performs better with the ball in depth rather than up close.”

What advice did he give to Pellegrini to overcome this moment? “As a captain, he must know how to react. The most beautiful thing when you fall is to see how you rise again, with ferocity and determination. “He is a bit introverted for a Roman, he keeps everything inside, he has to react to adversity and I’m convinced he will do so.”

“What kind of mood did you find in the changing room?” “If Juric found it sad, imagine how I felt (he laughs).” For this reason, I spoke of the child within them, reminding them how we all once were. I pursue this profession because I harbor a dream within me, a dream that I want them to unearth. “We are blessed to have the best job in the world, we get paid, and only those who fall have the opportunity to pick themselves up, and we indeed have the chance to stand tall again,” she passionately articulated.

“She stated that Angelino would no longer be playing in the three central positions.” “The coaches are all liars (laughs, ed).”

What if there’s a three-man defense, can Cristante play in the center?

“He could play there, but if I have Hummels, why would Cristante need to play? Obviously, Hummels was not in good shape before.” Often, the coach makes unusual moves, but he knows what he can ask of the players; he sees them week by week. Soccer is diverse, it changes from one day to the next, and we as coaches need to be on the ball, ready. Perhaps you may be curious whether I opt for a four, five or three-player game, but for instance, how does Napoli play? Is it 4-3-3? Take a closer look. It’s actually 5 and a half.