Claudio Ranieri believes that the difference between Roma and AC Milan is that his side remained together as a team.
It couldn’t have been a more fitting Olimpico farewell for Ranieri as his Roma side won 3-1 in his final home game in charge of his beloved club, keeping alive their hopes of securing a Champions League place in the process.
The Giallorossi took the lead just a few minutes in through Gianluca Mancini, then Milan went down to 10 men as Santiago Gimenez swung an elbow at the scorer. Joao Felix equalised for the Rossoneri, but Leandro Paredes and Bryan Cristante scored in the second half to ensure the pointed remained in Rome.
Ranieri spoke at his post-match press conference after the full-time whistle and gave his thoughts on what was an emotional night, with his comments via TMW.
Tell us about your emotions at his last as a coach at the Olimpico…
“They were very strong emotions. I did this job for the emotions that football can give. Both positive and negative. This evening will be framed for the affection and love that the fans have dedicated to me.
“I’m happy that the boys never gave up. They were able to understand my language. I rarely raised my voice and it says a lot about the intelligence of the dressing room.”
What do you think about the race for a place in the Champions League that is still wide open?
“It’s a beautiful and sporting fact. Until it’s over we have to fight and leave the field aware that we’ve done and given everything. Tonight if we enter the match context we started well, finding the goal straight away.
“After the expulsion we relaxed and thought ‘it’s easy’. The Milan players have an indescribable quality. They are the strongest and perhaps they haven’t managed to be a team. When they play as a group they have great quality. In the first half we didn’t take advantage of the man less.”
What convinced you to play Saelemaekers and Paredes?
“I needed a filter in front of the defence and two mezzali who would act as raiders and not as servants to Paredes. I asked Paredes and Konè to stretch and go between the lines. Paredes came back because we needed to manage the ball further back. We knew we could play the ball quickly.
“Saelemaekers? I saw him inspired in Bergamo and since he was playing with his former team I said he’ll have a great game and so it was.”
The certainty of Europe, what Roma will you leave?
“A solid group. Players who train at a thousand miles an hour. From the warm-up they are all ready and reactive. They manage to coexist well with each other. Never an argument, never anything. Whoever arrives will arrive and can do very well.”
Is this the best night of your career?
“What I experienced here in Rome is incredible. Give me time to understand what happened. I’ll tell you in a couple of days.”
What is the secret of a coach who is also a manager?
“I don’t know. I try to get in tune with the team. Even though I don’t talk much, I believe in dialogue and mutual respect. I talk to people’s faces and I’m not afraid to say things. I’ve never scolded one of my players. I’ve always shown them my mistakes. That’s where you improve.
“I try to bring out the best in everyone. I want the players to come to training with a smile on their faces. I’ve always been like that. The facts have proven me right. I haven’t been a great player, but I’ve always identified with the player who hears what the coach says.”
Will you miss all these emotions as a coach?
“I think so, but it’s right to say enough, for the good of Roma. Yes, I can stay but no. With me, Roma would lose a year. And as a fan, I wouldn’t forgive myself for that.”
Ranieri absolutely deserves to be the coach of the season for what he has done with Roma. Incredible comeback. And the man is just a such class act.
Well Said…….. A CLASS ACT ! Good Luck You !!
I also cannot find words to describe Milan appropriately this season.
Class act, but it’s not true. Our DM’s can’t properly defend which is one of keys to success with current tactic, CB’s are below those from Inter, Napoli, Juve or even slightly Roma + all the fullbacks underperform for a long time.