The recent elimination in the Champions League brought some sweeping changes at Roma including manager Eusebio Di Francesco being replaced by Claudio Ranieri. The giallorossi’s new coach hosted his first pre game press conference to introduce the match against Empoli, he was asked about his decision to return at the club:”Returning here is always something special, especially for us fans. I know this is a difficult moment, but I’m ready to fight. A Champions League spot is within reach, I ask the fans to help us. I can’t bring this club back to the Champions by myself, with the fans help we certainly can”
Ranieri addressed the status of some key players:”Florenzi is a universal player that can play on the right and upfront. It depends on the match an opponent. We now full well Zaniolo’s role is in the middle and he needs to have possession of the ball. Dzeko and Schick? They need to play together. Patrik has great qualities, he’s a great player. He’s about to get out of his funk, the fans will fall in love with him. Dzeko doesn’t score a lot? All strikers have difficult periods, but we have twelve matches”.
