Legendary Ranieri at 73: ‘Retirement is the right thing, Roma needed self-confidence’

Claudio Ranieri joked it is the ‘right thing’ for him to get ready for retirement after revitalising Roma’s campaign. ‘I found a squad that had lost some self-belief.’

The coach had already announced his retirement in the summer of 2024 when he took Cagliari to promotion from Serie B and then ensured they stayed in the top flight.

However, he was convinced to return for his beloved Giallorossi, transforming their campaign from mid-table mediocrity to pushing for a place in Europe.

As he accepted the Tommaso Maestrelli award today in the Eternal City, Ranieri was asked by Sky Sport Italia if that means he will put retirement on hold.

“No, no, no, retirement is the right thing!” replied the 73-year-old coach.

Ranieri transformed Roma

Since taking over as their third coach of the campaign on November 14, he has overseen 16 victories, five draws and six defeats in all competition.

Did he expect such remarkable results, especially the surge up the Serie A standings?

“I cannot be too surprised, because I have always been a positive person in his work and with the players at my disposal. When I arrived, I found a strong squad that had lost some of its self-belief.

“I just tried to get them united, to give them that confidence, to give them what they deserved to have. They got back together and have done a great deal. Now comes the wonderful and difficult part.

“We must continue with the same light-hearted approach that we’ve had so far, trying to continue making our fans fall in love with this side.”

Roma have now amassed six consecutive Serie A victories, and since reaching the midway point of the campaign, nobody earned more points than the Giallorossi.

They put together 26 points in 10 rounds, compared to Inter’s 23 and 21 for Bologna.