Roma`s senior advisor, Claudio Ranieri, is expected back at Trigoria soon after his holidays to support Gasperini in preparing for the new season. Ranieri also revisited his decision to decline the Italian national team job, stating, “I couldn`t do two jobs.”
After a few more days enjoying his break in Riace, Claudio Ranieri will return to Roma`s training ground, Trigoria, to assist Gian Piero Gasperini and potentially help accelerate some transfer market discussions. The former Giallorossi coach, now the club`s senior advisor, reiterated his reasons for turning down the national team position, a role he was considered for following Luciano Spalletti`s departure, with the goal of World Cup qualification.
Why He Said No to Italy
“I believe saying no to the national team had consequences for everyone,” Ranieri explained to Tg3. “However, I simply couldn`t handle two jobs at once. Since I had a contract with Roma, I was unfortunately unable to accept the Federation`s offer. The national team requires someone who is completely free to make choices, to call up whoever they see fit. With me, there would have been too many complications with every squad selection, for example, if a player had played 90 minutes and then had to face Roma. It was just too much. The role needs a truly independent person.” He then offered praise for Gattuso: “He has always strived to do things well. He is someone who knows the national team, has fought for it, and has suffered for it. So, I wish him all the best.”
On Gasperini
Ranieri has even stronger well wishes for Gian Piero Gasperini, the coach chosen and recommended to lead Roma`s revival. “Was it my choice? Well, I am the Friedkins` advisor, and we hope my work proves beneficial. Gasperini has a crucial task ahead. Things will gradually fall into place.” Reflecting on his last year as a coach (likely referring to his previous role at Roma), he added: “I didn`t anticipate the results we achieved. I arrived at a challenging time. However, thanks to everyone`s help and contribution, we managed to get things back on track. It was significant for the club, especially for the fans, and also for the players. Now I want to support Roma in this current capacity [as senior advisor].”
On Racism
On the sidelines of a meeting with Mayor Mimmo Lucano, known for his support for migrants, “Sir Claudio” also addressed the issue of racism: “Every team has players of different nationalities, and among us [in football], there has never been any reluctance or prejudice. There is none of that atmosphere you encounter outside [in society]. Sport, and particularly football, can serve as an antidote against racism. Football exists within a world that has changed and, sadly, become violent. Penalties are necessary, but penalties alone don`t change minds. We need culture and respect for human dignity. We have so much to offer, we have empathy because we Italians remember emigrating many years ago to America, to Belgium`s mines, and how our grandparents suffered.”
