Claudio Ranieri is four days into his third spell as head coach of Roma, but the hard work begins next week when the full squad returns to Trigoria after the international break. Here are four things that the Tinkerman needs to fix if Roma he wants to turn Roma’s season around.
Roma’s mentality and morale
Ranieri needs to bring a sense of stability around the training ground, as he becomes the fourth Giallorossi head coach this calendar year after Jose Mourinho, Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric. What is also important, though, is bringing a renewed sense of confidence, pride and determination to a disheartened-looking squad.
Results will help turn the mood around more than anything, but with just 13 points from the opening 12 games of the season, the Giallorossi need to start picking up a few wins if the morale is to improve .
The tactics
Ranieri will also need to bring stability when it comes to the tactical set-up. The squad have already had to get used to two different systems after the first 12 games of the season: Usually a back four under De Rossi, and typically in a 3-4-2-1 under Juric.
The current coach said in his first press conference that he would take things game-by-game when it comes to his tactical approach, implying that he would shift things around depending on the opponents Roma come up against.
The Leadership
According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, there will be a group of nine senior players that Ranieri expects to set the standards in training and in-games: Gianluca Mancini, Mats Hummels, Mario Hermoso, Angelino, Bryan Cristante, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Stephan El Shaarawy, Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk.
The coach has already spoken about how he wants to see more from all of his players, but particularly from the senior figures within the dressing room.
The Support
Perhaps most importantly for Ranieri is mending the delicate relationship between the club and its supporters. Results are the best way to improve the mood around the Olimpico, but fixing issues around mentality, leadership and style of play will certainly help as well.
Ranieri can’t be expected to fix all of Roma’s issues single-handedly, but if he is able to steady the ship this season and leave the team in a better place by the end of his contract in June, it can be considered a job well done.
