Ranieri's post-derby interview

This is what the coach had to say...

The start of the game was very cagey. Were Roma perhaps a bit too cautious and respectful? Your team didn't really attack a lot.

“Yes, I'd agree with that. We went backwards and I don't like that. I'd asked the lads to get the ball in behind, play it further forwards, but we kept going back. We put the wide players there for a reason – to counter their full-backs and to cause problems for them, but by going backwards, by coming inside and going backwards, we kept ending up back with our defenders and I wasn't happy about that. But that's how it was.

“I think it was your typical tense derby. Lazio had a few more clear-cut opportunities than us. We did a bit less but I'll take the draw.”

Is Matias Soule capable of carrying Roma? He seems to be the only one who can ignite the team.

“If he starts out wide, he can carry the team at the moment. The problem today was we weren't able to give him the service we've given him on other occasions – by that I mean, switching play and making it one on one. We were too slow today so we gave Lazio the chance to double up on him. In the second half he was much more incisive. 

“He's a very talented boy. He can hit the target and – as I've said before – he's got a great future. He has everything he needs to really take off.”

When Eldor Shomurodov came on, Roma played 20 metres higher and were more dangerous. Is playing with two big strikers an option you might consider from the start in future? It was great to see Paulo Dybala on the bench and hugging his team-mates, despite his long injury lay-off.

“Paulo is a leader. He was a leader on the pitch and in the dressing room. Unfortunately now he's only a leader in the dressing room. He comes in every day to be with the lads and that's important. 

“As for the other question, I was asked that after the Juventus game. I know we're more incisive and more direct with two strikers. My thinking is that if I start with both of them and then I need to change something I don't have players who can play up top. That's the only thing that holds me back before games. I think about playing like that until Friday and then when it gets to Saturday or Sunday I think, 'What if something happens and I'm chasing the game? What then?'

“I know that when Eldor comes on, he has a big impact. Clearly the others also feel more confident about playing it straight up. And [Artem] Dovbyk probably feels less isolated up front. So it's up to me to find the best solution.”

How would you describe your final derby chapter? You've said you'll be stepping down at the end of the season and you'll do so unbeaten in derby matches.

“Yes, I thought about it before the game and I can think about it now, because during the game you don't think about being unbeaten – you think about the fact you're losing and you need to find a way to help your players. I'm a man of few words. What I have and what I feel, I keep to myself. Obviously, as a Roma fan, it's a fantastic record. I could have and I'd have liked to sign off with another win. It wasn't possible and it's a shame, but that's football. It gives you good things and less good things and you have to accept them. That's sport.”

Is there a particular feeling you perhaps felt tonight that you're going to miss most from these games?

“What I'm going to miss, and not just from this game, is seeing the stadium full. When you step out into the Olimpico and see it full... I'll miss that, just as every player who plays for Roma will miss it. It's captivating. It gives you emotions, feelings and desire – to do well and to do better.

“As the coach, it makes me want to try and make fewer mistakes, because as coaches we have to make as few mistakes as possible and help our players when they have their backs to the wall.”