Live TMW
After recent missteps against Napoli and Atalanta in the league, Claudio Ranieri is looking for his first victory since returning to manage Roma. The Giallorossi coach is preparing to challenge Lecce on Saturday 7 December at the Olympic Stadium. At 1pm the usual pre-match press conference. Follow the live text on TMW.
1.03pm – The press conference begins
Net of the results, a clear evolution was seen in defense. Now the task is arduous. How are Dybala and Pellegrini? Are you satisfied with the performances of the two?
“Pellegrini is training well and it’s very important for me. He must continue like this. Dybala doesn’t have intensity, he’s a quality player so he manages to satisfy the wishes of the coach and the team. Now the Championship begins. December will tell us who we are. Lecce is a team used to never giving up. They won in Venice, they drew with Juve. They have good players and the new coach is motivated and we must be determined.
What should Rome be?
“I want a team that goes onto the pitch without knowing the name of the opponent. A Roma that is determined every time. There is a ball that must be won. We have to be good against a team that knows what it wants. It has good players and we have to do well We must not see a team like Lecce and underestimate them. December will tell us who Roma are and what they want to do.”
Pellegrini warmed up against Atalanta. He deemed him fit to play that match, but then he didn’t come on. How are you?
“Lorenzo is a splendid player from midfield onwards. They all train together so that I can have the possibility of choosing. I didn’t put him because I needed a box-to-box player. Lorenzo has many qualities, but not
Month of truth. Have you seen the intensity that you require in the whole squad?
“The intensity from what we saw on the pitch is right. That’s what I want. The training sessions, when we have to push, respond well. It’s not easy when I say that they’ve changed three, four coaches. The players are sponges but they’re not computers There are those who react immediately and those who don’t. Little by little they will be able to do what I ask.
What is the situation on Dovbyk?
“The boy, except for the attack phase, had a Greco-Roman fight against his marker and he managed to do a lot. He’s not well, he’s affected. He managed to play against Atalanta but I don’t know if I’ll be able to have him against Lecce is not well. I don’t know how he will be tomorrow.”
Does he have to fight to save himself for this team?
“The ranking is the current state of the teams. We fight to get out of the low ranking. I’m used to being both here and there. We always have to fight. I put December. What should we do? I’m convinced that my players will respond to the my signals.”
Hummels and Cristante? How is Hermoso?
“I believe that football is a constantly evolving subject. What Mancini does on the right, Ndicka does on the left. Angelino went back to playing 3 because marking Samarzdic was the only option. Anything can happen in a match. Hummels has trained well, so does Hermoso, he has a purple ankle. Let’s see what he will do tomorrow.
How do you see Le Fee?
“Le Fee is a player of excellent quality. I can see him from midfield onwards. Pirlo when he was young or Ancelotti. He is a playmaker, he has the qualities and will be there to help throughout the championship.”
Midfield hierarchies?
“Let’s see what we can do against Lecce. Paredes is a great champion. We all see it. I hope he can always stay at this level. Two amazing games. I don’t understand why he has to change now.”
How important is the commitment that the team is putting in?
“Basic importance. They must put everything on the pitch. They must not make mistakes in terms of commitment. They must fight until the last second. They must come off the pitch and say I gave my all. They must always give their all. They must give always 100%. This is important to me.”
“I wanted to give a hug to Edoardo in closing. Hold on. We are all with you.”
1.21pm – The press conference ends