Claudio Ranieri shares insights on upcoming matches and player management for Roma
Ranieri previewed the match just two days after a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in the Europa League. He noted that for the third consecutive game, Roma faces a team that plays an attacking style. He mentioned that Napoli has just started under their new coach, while Tottenham has been using the same system for a few years. He described Atalanta as a well-oiled machine.
This match will be Ranieri’s third game in charge of Roma since taking over from Ivan Juric during the November break. He expressed his goal of making the fans proud, acknowledging that the team is still not in the best shape after only a week of training.
Ranieri quoted the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” asking for patience as the team develops. He highlighted Atalanta’s impressive record, having won ten games since September 10 and scoring 35 goals, averaging nearly three per game. He noted their strong attacking capabilities and warned his players to be cautious.
When asked about his coaching style compared to Gian Piero Gasperini, Ranieri humorously remarked that he may look like a gentleman, but he has a different approach in the dressing room. He mentioned that many players adopt Gasperini’s style, while he focuses on maximizing the potential of his own players.
Atalanta has transformed from a struggling team to a regular contender in the Champions League, thanks to the leadership of President Percassi. Ranieri acknowledged the club’s progress, noting that they used to aim just to avoid relegation.
He described Atalanta as a nearly perfect team, even though he believes perfection is unattainable. After the match against Tottenham, he noticed a spark in his players, indicating they are striving for improvement.
Ranieri also discussed managing Dybala, who has a contract extension clause that depends on his appearances this season. He stated that he evaluates Dybala’s performance after every training session, understanding that the player may have some issues.
He explained that he substituted Dybala in London because he needed a player who could press the opponents effectively. When Dybala is at his best, he can create extraordinary plays, like assists or powerful shots. While other players may not offer the same level of creativity, they contribute with energy and pressure on the field.
Image Credit: www.yahoo.com