Paredes on Ranieri’s impact, Juric spell and more | OneFootball

Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes was recently interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the upcoming Derby della Capitale.

Among the topics discussed was the Argentine’s future as well as Roma’s season of ups and downs.

“It’s a phase of my life where I’m really happy. And also as a team we are in a great moment. The 7 consecutive victories were important and also with Juventus we got a good result. Even if… We had Juventus in front of us, we have to remember that. But I am convinced that we could have done a little more, that’s for sure.”

“Since I arrived I immediately attached myself to these colors. My family and I, two of my children (Victoria and Lautaro, who arrived ten days ago, in the middle there is Giovanni, ed.) were born here. It is a place that we love so much and I am happy with this renewal: I wanted to stay here another year to achieve something important with Roma before returning to Argentina.”

“Ranieri was very important in my decision to renew my contract, he made me play again. It’s true, in those two months with Juric I did everything to return to Boca. And Roma also told me that if things continued like this, I could start looking for another team.”

“Juric? When I don’t play I always ask myself questions, but I don’t pass them on to the coach. I saw and didn’t understand. Not just me, but also my teammates or the people outside Trigoria. It’s not that I lost my place playing, Juric left me out immediately, since he arrived. His choice. Which I respected.”

“Would we have done better without Juric? We can’t know that, but we certainly could have done better, because the team is good. And we are proving it now.”

“De Rossi? For me, Daniele was a great coach already when he was playing, let alone after. We were very sorry to hear of his farewell, we were convinced that we could do very well with him. Now, however, we must think about the present and enjoy what we are doing.”

“Ranieri? For me, the trust of a coach is the most important thing. And in that moment, with the coach just arrived, I really needed it. Those words gave me the strength to go on.”

“Favorite memories of the derby? I have many, but I always think that the best match is the next one. We know how much it is worth for the city, for Roma, for the standings and for the fans.”

“Who would I sign from Lazio? Nobody. In fact, I hope everyone plays. Winning against the strongest opponent is always better.”

On Matias Soule’s struggles to settle in, “It was also tough for me, the club and the team were important. I had very strong players in front of me. But I learned and Matias can do the same from Dybala or Pellegrini, who can help him. You need patience with him.”

“Dybala’s absence? There is no need to say how important he is on the pitch, having him or not having him changes you a lot. But we have players who can do well in his place. And now he is helping us from outside too. Paulo is a leader, in every sense.”

“Manu Kone? He is young and in football you can grow every day. He is only 23 years old, he can still learn a lot. And if he wants to do it he will surely become a champion.”

“Did I believe Roma could compete for Top 4? Always. I always choose to believe, it’s a phrase I also tattooed. Despite the problems we have always been convinced of our strength. We always knew of our qualities.”

“We will try until the end. But to succeed we will have to give 110%, we have very strong teams in front of us. And we will also give our best to win the direct clashes, which can be decisive.”

On Roma’s interest in three Argentine players, “I played with Medina and Balerdi in the national team. I spoke with both of them, they are strong and young, they can do well here. I only saw Cesare on TV, but from what they tell me he is an excellent player.”

“Scoring the winning goal on Sunday? It would be a dream. I believe in it. Always. The disagreements with Pedro and Guendouzi? These things happen, especially in heated matches. On the pitch I even argued with Messi, imagine that. But then it all stays there. At least that’s what they taught me since I was little.”