Ranieri: “All of our signings were approved by Gasperini.” | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri spoke just minutes before the Roma-Pisa match.

Speaking to Sky Sport, he addressed the hot topics of the moment, from the comparison between last year’s coaching staff and his new role, to Gasperini’s recent complaints about squad construction and the club’s future goals.

Regarding last season’s memories and the transition from the pitch to a new role, Ranieri responded: “Last year, there was complete unity between me, the players, and the fans. The fans took us by the hand, and it was a wonderful ride. We missed the Champions League by just one point; the team had achieved so much.”

“I was fortunate to have only two serious injuries, Dybala and Saelemaekers. Today, I find myself in a different role. As a coach, you have quick and practical responsibility; on the pitch, you have to know how to change the game and make the right decisions. Now, however, you have to watch, see, and give your opinion when asked.”

Regarding Gasperini’s statements regarding player targets and transfer market operations: “I agree with him. Both last year they asked me which players could be acquired, and this year all the players who arrived were examined by me and the coach. It’s true that we acquired Malen and Wesley, but we also acquired all the others. Many were injured and there were other issues. It’s too easy to say Malen and Wesley; we also chose Ferguson and we wasted time pursuing Sancho, who then didn’t want to come.”

“Some players the coach didn’t like, and we didn’t acquire them. Let’s acquire these players, but with the FFP issue, we had to take many players on loan. This means that we took some players on loan, then some are from Roma like Wesley and Malen, and others maybe aren’t at that level. Never mind, we acquired them on purpose. Haven’t they settled in or aren’t they good enough? Let’s replace them.”

On Gasperini’s assessment of his career: “I said it last year, I’m stepping aside because it needed to be a year for us to get to know the incoming coach, and for the coach to understand what he has, what he finds, what he wants, and what can be changed. We’ll discuss all this at the end of the season.” Finally, he spoke to DAZN: “Let’s see what we can do in my role: if I like to continue, I’ll continue. If I’m asked, I’ll continue, but if I’m not, I’ll leave because I’m not here to act as anyone’s guarantor. I love Roma, and just as I stepped aside as a coach, I’ll be ready to do so as a senior advisor as well.”