Ranieri: Dovbyk doubtful for Roma-Lecce, calls for respect towards referees

Roma manager Claudio Ranieri addressed the media ahead of his team’s upcoming match against Lecce, providing updates on player fitness and sharing his thoughts on various topics. The coach expressed uncertainty about Artem Dovbyk’s availability for the game, while also emphasizing the importance of respecting match officials.

Regarding Dovbyk’s condition, Ranieri stated, “In attack, he needed to be more aggressive, but aside from that, he fought hard with his marker and won many duels. However, he is not feeling well; he has the flu. I don’t know if I’ll have him available for Lecce. I’ll have to think about it because I don’t know if he’ll train tomorrow morning and how he’ll be.”

The manager also discussed the team’s tactical approach and the potential for a formation change. “We could switch to a back four, but I won’t say. I don’t give the opponent an extra chance; that’s why I always decide the evening before. The intensity I want is what we showed in the last two matches. When we manage to train with intensity, that’s what I ask for. I’ve had few days to ask for what I want.”

Ranieri addressed recent complaints about refereeing decisions, calling for respect towards officials. “I believe all teams can complain. The most difficult thing in Italy is to be a referee. We must know how to respect them,” he said. “It’s right for a team to say ‘it seems to us that’ but with respect. Mistakes can happen. When I played, there were more errors. Now they are better prepared and there’s VAR, but they are at a high level. You can complain but must respect them.”

He provided updates on other players as well, noting, “Hummels and Hermoso are doing well. Cristante? We’ll see if he trains tomorrow.” He praised Paredes’ recent performances, stating, “Paredes is a great champion and I hope he can always stay at these levels. He’s had two amazing games, so why should I change? Football is a constantly evolving sport. You can’t be 100% certain about anything.”

Ranieri emphasized the importance of December for the team’s season, declaring, “December will tell us who we are and what we want to do.” He called for determination from his players regardless of their opponents: “I want a team that goes on the field without knowing the name of the opponent and that fights for every ball as we did in Naples, in London, and against Atalanta. We need to be good against a team that is skilled at closing down and counterattacking.”

Reflecting on Pellegrini’s role in the team, Ranieri said, “Lorenzo is a wonderful player from midfield forward. He has shooting ability, can score goals, and knows how to make passes.” He explained why Pellegrini was not utilized in previous matches: “I didn’t put him in because I needed a box-to-box player to compete with Atalanta’s midfielders.”

Addressing Roma’s current league position, Ranieri acknowledged the need for improvement: “The standings show the current state of the teams. We’re there and we’re fighting to get out of it. These players are used to being in other positions; I’m accustomed to being on both sides. They have to fight.”

The manager concluded the press conference with a heartfelt message of support for Edoardo Bove, who recently suffered a medical emergency during a match: “A big hug to Edoardo. Stay strong; we’re all with you.” This sentiment reflects not only Ranieri’s leadership style but also the unity within the squad as they prepare for their upcoming challenges.

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