Interview with Claudio Ranieri after Verona victory 

Here’s what our coach had to say:

It took a moment of quality to unlock the game and Matias Soule provided it.

“Yes, it was a very tough match, just as we expected. We knew Verona are a very physical team, like a steamroller. They play forward and then immediately press you again. It wasn’t easy because they’ve got two very fast forwards who are very skilful in one-on-one situations. It’s good for us because we managed to break the deadlock.”

Thanks to Soule’s clinical touch.

“Yes, thanks to Soule’s clinical touch and [Bryan] Cristante’s switch of play, which was wonderful. [Eldor] Shomurodov also did well, but really, they all did. I don’t like to single anyone out. The lads dug in, just the way I like. As I said, it wasn’t an easy match. We wanted the three points and we got them, so it’ll be a happy Easter for us and our fans.”

You're now just two points off the Champions League spots. Earlier. You said you wouldn’t bet even a euro on that. Was that a little provocation, to take the pressure off the team?

“I take bets – I’ve got a piggy bank, give me your money! (laughs) No, seriously, it’s not easy, guys, it’s not easy. It’s one thing to say these lads are doing something extraordinary – we’re trying, we have the dream – that’s great. Then there’s the thought and then there’s the action. We’ve got to work hard because we’ve got some fantastic matches coming up: Inter, Fiorentina… It’s not exactly a walk in the park.
“We’re in it, we want to do well and we want our fans to be proud of how we finish the season. It started badly, but we want to end it as well as possible.”

Roma have picked up 34 points from 14 matches in the second half of the season. What does that say about the quality of this squad?

“There’s a good group here. I’m not staying, though. I’ve done enough and that’s the right decision. The new coach needs time to understand the team, tweak it and start climbing the table. Another year with me would be a year wasted and I don’t want Roma to waste time. There’s lots of work to do, lots to achieve, so I need to step aside and make room for a coach who knows what he wants and how to get it.”

If the Friedkins were to bring in the two players Roma need to challenge for the Scudetto next year, would that tempt you to stay?

“No, I’m done. There’s no point. It’s already a lot that I came back at all...”

You submitted the list of candidates for the next coach – but in the meantime, a new name may be available: Carlo Ancelotti. Does the list need updating?

“I’m not talking about the next coach any more. Sorry.”