Ranieri reacts to 1-0 away win at Empoli

Here’s what the coach had to say.

That late header must have given you a scare. Roma had the game under control in terms of performance but not the result.
 “Yes, I told the team that I’m of a certain age and they can’t keep me on edge until the very last second. We created plenty of chances and should’ve killed the game off because these are the matches that you end up drawing and then you are left wondering why.

“We came here with humility and determination, knowing that the second half of the season is tough for everyone. We’ve seen it in Europe too, as so many teams that played in midweek have then struggled in the league.

“I brought in players who were hungry to play and rested those who’d given a lot emotionally on Thursday. Now we can prepare properly for the match in Bilbao.”

Matias Soule was so hungry for a goal that he scored in just 22 seconds.
 “I was pleased with the whole team. That said, I heard you mention how we then got complacent and that is exactly what I tell them. I don’t like showboating, I like efficiency.

“Playing well is important, but for me playing well means winning. When you have chances to score, you need to take them.”

Eldor Shomurodov had two good chances and Roma created several more. Is it just a matter of being more clinical?
 “He’s a fantastic lad, but has never been a prolific goalscorer. I think a player’s ability to finish is something they either have in their DNA or they do not.

“I told him not to worry because he was really disappointed. What matters is being in the right place at the right time and then the goals will come. He has already won us a few games and he’ll win us more.”

How is Zeki Celik? Do you think he‘ll recover for Thursday? And were you pleased with Mats Hummels’ performance?
 “I was very pleased. As for Celik, we’ll assess him tomorrow.”

How many training sessions did it take for you to realise this team had strong technical quality as well?
 “The technical quality was always there. The key in those first few matches, even the ones we lost including the draw against Tottenham, was to restore enthusiasm and self-belief in these players because they already had the talent. This squad is good.

“I was convinced we could do well but maybe not to this extent to be honest. When things get tough, I put my helmet on and get to work and I want my players to do the same. I haven’t set any targets or made predictions. I’ve just told them that you see the real thoroughbreds in the final stretch. That’s what I want to see, what we are capable of when we reach that final stretch.”

One thing that has stood out in recent weeks is the inclusivity. Today you got strong performances from players who aren’t used to playing together.
 “That’s true. I made similar changes against Napoli, Venezia and Parma. The players know I don’t hand out rewards for the sake of it. I want to see them do what I ask in training, at full intensity, with conviction and determination.

“There’s always room for improvement because it’s the little details that are hardest to fine-tune. They’ve grasped the big picture but there’s still plenty of work to do.”