Claudio Ranieri is back where he belongs. The veteran manager has taken the reins at AS Roma for the third time, returning to lead his hometown club during what has been described as a tumultuous season. After the firing of Ivan Juric, following a disappointing loss to Bologna, Roma has turned to their 73-year-old local hero, hoping he can salvage their season and restore some much-needed stability.
This latest appointment marks an eye-catching chapter for Ranieri, who previously managed Roma from 2009 to 2011 and again for part of the 2018-19 season. The news was met with mixed feelings among fans, many of whom are eager for change but also nostalgic about the club’s past successes under Ranieri. His first stint at the club featured some memorable highs, and there's hope he can deliver more unforgettable moments this go-round.
Ranieri was officially announced as Roma’s head coach shortly before his first training session on Thursday, where he arrived at the Trigoria training grounds amid much anticipation. Sporting his signature long coat, he was welcomed by players and staff and began introducing his trusted coaching team, which includes longtime assistant Paolo Benetti and various familiar faces to the training regimen at Roma.
Despite not leading the training session himself immediately, Ranieri engaged with players, renewing old friendships with veterans such as Bryan Cristante and Stephan El Shaarawy, who were part of his previous tenure. For newer faces, he emphasized the honor and duty of representing the Giallorossi, demonstrating just how pivotal he feels the connection to club heritage is.
Ranieri’s first challenge awaits quickly, with tough matches lined up against Serie A leaders Napoli and top Premier League rivals Tottenham hot on the horizon. These fixtures present immense challenges, not just for Ranieri but for the whole squad, who will need to regroup and find form under the new leadership. Ranieri himself seems to relish these high-stakes confrontations, noting the importance of well-prepared strategies against formidable opponents.
The pressure is palpable, particularly as Roma’s season has been riddled with setbacks, including sitting precariously just above the relegation places. The American ownership, led by Dan and Ryan Friedkin, has faced increasing discontent from fans, particularly following the dismissals of popular figures like Daniele De Rossi, which fueled protests and calls for change.
During his initial remarks, Ranieri expressed his commitment to rebuilding the team’s spirit and instilling confidence in the players, stating, "This club deserves more than just survival; we need to aim for something greater.” His acquisition not only signifies immediate attempts to improve results on the pitch but also hints at longer-term ambitions, as he’s been allocated the role of senior adviser upon the season’s conclusion, where he’ll have greater influence over the club’s strategic direction.
Although Roma supporters have become accustomed to managerial changes, the return of Ranieri evokes memories of the exhilarating football and community cohesion he inspired during his previous tenures. Fans have rallied around the belief he can reinvigorate the passion and pride of the club. It sparks the question: can Ranieri replicate the magic of his prior successes?
Ranieri’s storied career is defined by pivotal moments. He is synonymous with Leicester City’s stunning 2015-16 Premier League title triumph, which remains one of football’s great fairytales. Now, at the helm of his childhood club, many are waiting to see if he can weave another tale of triumph—this time against the backdrop of Roma’s storied legacy and under the pressure of great expectations.
