Ranieri's Roma dream comes true
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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A day after Luciano Spalletti resigned, AS Roma have named Rome-born Claudio Ranieri as their new coach. "I'm back home after 35 years," the former Juventus boss said. "It's a dream come true."
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One day after the surprising resignation of Luciano Spalletti, AS Roma have named Rome-born Claudio Ranieri as their new coach. "I'm back home after 35 years, it's a dream come true," the former Juventus boss said.
Roma fan
Ranieri was born in Testaccio – an area of the capital known as a hotbed of Giallorossi support – and played six games for the club during the 1973/74 season. "When I was 14 I used to watch Roma from the Curva Sud," the 57-year-old said. "I grew up with these colours and now I accept this challenge. I'm ready to give everything for the cause."
Early-season woes
The former ACF Fiorentina, Valencia CF and Chelsea FC coach was sacked by Juventus with two games remaining last season, and takes charge of a Giallorossi side bottom of Serie A after two matches this term. Despite winning through to the UEFA Europa League group stage by emphatically beating MFK Košice 7-1 in the second leg of their play-off, Roma have struggled in the league, losing to both Genoa CFC and Juve to prompt Spalletti's departure.
'Difficult period'
"We have to react immediately, we cannot do anything with words and promises; it needs hard work," he said. "The team need an electric shock, to believe in the work they have done so far. It's a difficult period, but I'm sure we can return to the top positions with the help of my players. Only a year and a half ago they were half an hour away from winning the Scudetto."
'Tremendous job'
Ranieri admitted he was an admirer of Spalletti's Roma. "I cannot say my team will play as brilliantly as Spalletti's side, but I think I can bring pragmatism. As an outsider I said Barcelona, Roma and Arsenal had been playing the best football in Europe in the recent years. I was proud of Roma, especially for its image outside Italy where many people think that we only play Catenaccio. Spalletti did a tremendous job here." Roma are next in action away to AC Siena on 13 September before travelling to FC Basel 1893 the following Thursday in the first match of their UEFA Europa League Group E campaign.
