Pragmatic Ranieri vows to jolt sluggish Roma into action
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New AS Roma coach Claudio Ranieri yesterday vowed to ditch the club's attractive style of play for a more results-based system.
Ranieri was speaking at his official unveiling after replacing Luciano Spalletti, who resigned from his post on Tuesday. Roma, who were known for their expansive and attractive style of play under Spalletti, lost their opening two matches of the season and Ranieri insists he will focus on winning games rather than weaving pretty patterns.
"Spalletti's Roma had a sparkling style of play, my philosophy is a little different," said the former Juventus and Chelsea coach. "I will bring my pragmatism to the team. This team needs a jolt because it's a team that needs to react straight away.
"Maybe the players have lost a bit of conviction. Over the last four years this team did some great things playing some of the most attractive football in Europe.
"As a Roman I was proud to watch them play. And I can tell you I'm going home with a great desire to do well."
Ranieri is a local who used to stand on the terraces to watch Roma before beginning his playing career with the club in 1973.
Spalletti, 50, joined the club in 2005 from Udinese. His contract was due to expire in 2011.
He initially enjoyed success at the Stadio Olimpico, taking the side to second-placed league finishes in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and back-to-back triumphs in the Italian Cup in 2007 and 2008.
Roma also made it to the quarterfinals of the Champions League in 2007 and 2008, but they never recovered from a terrible start to last season and finished the campaign in a disappointing sixth place.
He favored a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation that earned many plaudits but broke down last season.
Ranieri admitted he is not sure what system he will use but said the team most needs to tighten up at the back.
"I don't have any particular favorite (system), during my career I've often changed tactics," said the coach known as the 'Tinkerman' during his Chelsea days.
"But one thing's for sure, we need to concede fewer goals."
Roma's backline has been breached six times in two games this season.
Ranieri, who was fired by Juventus two games before the end of last season after two years at the helm, said the team needs to get its confidence back.
"Fifteen months ago this team was a half an hour away from winning the title. Roma have only lost confidence in themselves. A year ago this team was motivated and happy and believed in its project and we have to get back that conviction and strength."
(AFP via China Daily September 3, 2009)
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