Claudio Ranieri Reflects on Retirement: “Only Roma or Cagliari Could Bring Me Back”

Roma manager Claudio Ranieri addressed the media in the build-up to today’s UEFA Europa League game against Tottenham Hotspur. It’s a must-win clash for the Giallorossi as their hopes of locking down automatic knockout qualification hang in the balance.

“It will not be an easy match, and we know that. They have won 13 out of their last 15 European matches and drawn two,” the Roma boss said, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio. “They are in excellent form. They grind out games and press hard; it’s the kind of football I love. The coach is doing an excellent and wonderful job.“

Roma couldn’t have imagined a worse way to kick off their European adventure this season as they’ve only won once in four league-phase outings. On top of that, they remain stuck in the Serie A lower reaches following a 1-0 defeat at Napoli on Ranieri’s touchline debut last weekend.

Ranieri’s return to the Stadio Olimpico has been the club’s last-ditch attempt to recover from a woeful start under Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric. Roma brought the 73-year-old out of retirement to help the Giallorossi get back on track amid one of the club’s roughest patches.

“When I decided to retire, I didn’t expect or wish to return. The only two teams that could bring me back were Roma or Cagliari. I believe Leicester will return to form soon, and I wish them well in overcoming this difficult period,” Ranieri admitted.