Claudio Ranieri, the new head coach of AS Roma, made his return to England with a heartfelt tribute to his former club Leicester City and warm praise for Tottenham Hotspur’s manager Ange Postecoglou for the exciting Football they have been playing.
Best remembered for orchestrating one of football’s greatest fairy tales, Ranieri led Leicester to Premier League glory in 2016, a triumph that remains etched in the annals of the sport. Now, at the age of 73, he is back in the UK, keen to make an impact once again as he prepares for his second match in charge of Roma, this time in the Europa League against Spurs.
“Tottenham have been on a fantastic run, scoring four goals against Manchester City and claiming victories over mighty clubs like United and Aston Villa,” Ranieri noted. “This team plays with relentless energy and positivity, the very style of football that excites fans. I extend my congratulations to their coach for doing such a fantastic job.”
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Having spent 18 months at Leicester, a club that recently sacked Steve Cooper, Ranieri was posed with a question about a potential return to the King Power Stadium had the call come through before he answered Roma’s SOS. “When I chose to retire after securing safety with Cagliari, I honestly believed I wouldn’t step into management again. Only two teams could sway me back: Roma and Cagliari. My hope was to remain on the sidelines because their struggles would signal trouble. However, I am confident Leicester will bounce back, given their passionate fanbase and excellent board. With Jamie Vardy still firing in goals, I trust they will find their feet again. I wish them all the best in their recovery journey,” he said.
Postecoglou echoed similar sentiments, marvelling at Ranieri’s enduring zeal for the game. “It’s remarkable. It speaks volumes about his passion. There are certainly easier paths to follow, yet his love for football hasn’t waned,” he remarked. “I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him yet, but I’m eager to say hello. It’s always special to connect with someone of his stature in football, especially a manager who has had a profound influence on the game. He’s someone I’ve always regarded as a true gentleman, and it’s evident that the thrill of being on the sidelines is something that stays with you forever.”
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Reflecting on Ranieri’s incredible journey at Leicester, Postecoglou added, “The story of how he guided Leicester to the Premier League title is remarkable. Such narratives are rare in sports. A club with an underdog spirit and a manager who was determined to redefine his legacy merged to create a magical moment in football’s biggest league. It felt as if you were watching a script for a blockbuster film, the kind you’d presume could never happen in reality. Yet, it did. For everyone involved in that unforgettable chapter at Leicester, including Claudio and his family, our ultimate desire is to leave an indelible mark and legacy that transcends our careers. Ranieri certainly stamped his imprint with that extraordinary season at Leicester.”
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