New Delhi: In a surprising move, Claudio Ranieri has come out of retirement to coach his hometown club, AS Roma, for the third time. The Italian manager, who famously won the Premier League with Leicester City in 2016, steps in as Roma’s third coach of an already turbulent Serie A season. At 73, Ranieri brings a wealth of experience and loyalty to a club he both played for and managed in two previous stints, and he’s expected to help steady a squad in need of direction.
Ranieri’s return comes after Ivan Juric was sacked following a string of poor performances, including a 3-2 defeat to Bologna that left Roma languishing in 12th place on the league table.
Juric’s time at Roma saw just four wins out of 12 games, leaving the team uncomfortably close to the relegation zone, a position deeply concerning for the Giallorossi faithful. With Roma’s form dipping, Ranieri has agreed to step in and lead the team until the end of the season.
Claudio Ranieri is the new Head Coach of the First Team.
Welcome home, coach! 💛❤️
📄 https://t.co/CNtUTOH6vz#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/cWJt1IOI92
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) November 14, 2024
The club has also confirmed that Ranieri will transition to a senior executive role after this season, where he will advise Roma’s ownership on all sporting matters. Roma plans to search for a long-term coaching solution, with Ranieri involved in selecting his successor. Fans greeted him with enthusiasm upon his arrival at Fiumicino airport, showing appreciation for his enduring dedication to the club.
For Roma supporters, Ranieri is not only a coach but a symbol of hope. His first spell in 2009 saw him guide Roma to an intense title race against Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan, while his second stint in 2019 saw him help the club secure Europa League qualification.
Now, he’s back to guide Roma through yet another challenge, with a daunting fixture against Napoli up next after the international break, followed by clashes with Tottenham and Atalanta.
Ranieri initially announced his retirement after keeping Cagliari in Serie A last season, hinting he might take on an international role. But for now, he’s back in the dugout, ready to help Roma through a tough season and beyond.
Claudio Ranieri returns to AS Roma as head coach, aiming to stabilise the team during a turbulent season. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
