Former Roma boss Claudio Ranieri has reflected on his recent spell with the Giallorossi, describing last season’s rise in the standings as a matter of fortune while stressing that his ambitions are far from exhausted.
Former Roma boss Claudio Ranieri has reflected on his recent spell with the Giallorossi, describing last season’s rise in the standings as a matter of fortune while stressing that his ambitions are far from exhausted.
Speaking in the Italian capital on Saturday morning Ranieri responded to questions from journalists about his journey and legacy. Observers noted that the veteran coach has become a unifying personality across Italian football.
Ranieri acknowledged that his emotional connection to Roma runs deep, recalling how he once approached the Stadio Olimpico purely as a supporter, wondering if he would ever experience it as a professional player. He explained that many of his personal aspirations have already been realised, leaving him content with his career path, even though new targets still motivate him.
The experienced coach returned to Roma in November 2024 following the departure of Ivan Juric. Under his guidance, the team recovered momentum in Serie A and re-entered the race for a top-four finish, narrowly missing out on a Champions League place.
Ranieri later transitioned into an executive role at the club. In this capacity, he played a part in the decision to appoint Gian Piero Gasperini as the next head coach, helping shape Roma’s future direction from behind the scenes.
Looking back on his tenure, Ranieri credited the squad and the fanbase for the progress achieved. He described working with a group of committed players and highlighted the constant backing of large crowds at the Olimpico, often numbering around 60,000.
He reiterated that success was a collective effort, insisting that neither he nor the team could have achieved their objectives without the relentless encouragement from the stands, which he felt made a decisive difference throughout the campaign.
