Claudio Ranieri, Roma coachspoke at the press conference after his team's 5-0 defeat against Parma in the Serie A lunch match. Starting from the 'oddity' of not having made even one substitution: «My collaborators also asked me, who were everyone is curious to know. I saw that they were doing what I asked well, they were focused and they were playing well. So I said, “okay, I'll leave them”, because it also seems nice to leave those who started the match for once, given that we coaches are used to making five substitutions. This time I said, “well, they're still fine, I'll leave them””
Saelemaekers fifth?
«Saelemaekers is an international player, a good player who knows how to play different roles. I needed him on this wing to make certain plays, and he's doing well. So, this is my comment: he's fine like this. But this does not mean that it will always be like this, because, from match to match, coaches make choices, perhaps change their minds and evaluate other solutions. I liked it against Sampdoria and I liked it tonight too.”
The Dybala-Dovbyk couple? Has their physical condition improved?
«I am convinced that not everyone is 100% yet, because, for various reasons, they have never been able to train at their best. However, they are improving their condition and are looking for more on the pitch. The rest of the team is also getting to know Artem better, and I was pleased to notice that everyone was trying to pass the ball to him, precisely to put him in a position to score. It means that the group is healthy.”
Completely different performances between Como and Parma, was there an explanation?
«The answer is exactly the one I gave last time in Como. We have two players who lead the team on the pitch: Hummels and Paredes. I didn't have them in Como. I explain the situation like this, perhaps in a simplistic way, I don't know. But I clearly see that the boys play with a different level of confidence when those two are there to lead in the advanced central area of the pitch.”
Will he ask the owners not to sell Dybala?
«So, I understand everything, but we must also understand the work of the agents. Agents travel the world, propose players, treating them as the most valuable asset, and then present the offers received to the player. Nothing has reached me, so I know that Paulo wants to stay and is happy with us. I'm fine with him, so I understand your point of view, but try to understand mine too. These are dynamics that need to be understood. You do your job, I'll do mine.”
Mourinho spoke about the problem of playing away from home. Do you think there is also a tactical problem?
«As far as I'm concerned, yes, we need to perfect some things, as I've already told the team».
