Claudio Ranieri insisted that Roma’s full focus is on their Serie A engagements, despite recording a 4-1 victory over Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Wednesday night, as he warns that the Giallorossi will not ‘attract top coaches’ without improving their league position.
A brace from Artem Dovbyk and individual goals from Tommaso Baldanzi and Eldor Shomurodov helped the Giallorossi past their Serie B opponents at the Stadio Olimpico, which sets up a quarter-final date with Milan in February.
Ranieri assesses Coppa Italia, Como loss and Roma’s managerial search
A much-needed confidence boost following their 2-0 defeat by Como on Sunday, Ranieri was pleased with his side’s showing, but insisted that there are bigger fish to fry for the Giallorossi this season.
“We’re not going through a good patch, otherwise they wouldn’t have called me,” Ranieri joked with Sport Mediaset after full-time against Sampdoria.
“We had to respond after the second half against Como, and the boys showed determination and a desire to go out and win. The guys have quality, but if you only have quality, you don’t do great things in football. There must be quality, but also a sense of belonging and a competitive edge.
“We didn’t play or run as a team against Como, and we made a terrible impression.”
Responding to more questions about Roma’s next potential full-time coach, Ranieri agreed that it is best not to focus on it too much.
“You’re right, but the media has to ask, create an atmosphere,” he said.
“We are focused on the league, because if you don’t do well. You can’t attract top coaches.”
Ranieri will serve as Roma’s head coach until the end of the 2024-25 season, at which point he will transition into a directorship role, and will also help the club with their hunt for a new permanent gaffer.
