“Roma mean everything to me. Which fan wouldn’t accept the opportunity to manage the team they love, even for just one game? I got the call at a difficult time. Had it been another team, I’d never have said yes – I would never have taken such a risk." Claudio Ranieri spoke to AS Roma's official site and revealed his thoughts as he approaches his final game as coach of the giallorossi.
"Overall, I feel positive. When I arrived here, there was a sense of disappointment around the team – the boys were downbeat because they had high hopes. In terms of positives, I think of the defensive solidity we have, which was previously lacking. I think Fazio and Nzonzi have shown how good they are. We were already aware of Federico’s ability, but Steven hadn’t yet won over the fans. He’s a player I tried to get when I was at Leicester, when N’golo Kante left. The fact he knew I rated him perhaps gave him that boost to show what he’s made of."
"Champions League? There’s still a remote possibility that we get a place. We’ll need to score five and see what happens in the other matches. We’ll do our best. That’s the sort of person I am – I never give up and always strive, until the very end. If we don’t manage it, credit to the other teams.”
“De Rossi? It will be emotional for him, as it will be for the fans, who’ll be seeing Daniele for the last time with the captain’s armband and Roma shirt out on that pitch. Every fan has identified with him, because of that desire and fighting spirit he’s always shown. I hope we see a loving farewell for him.”
