Ranieri: ‘Roma have great respect for AZ Alkmaar’ | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri has ‘great respect’ for AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, but wants to see Roma climb the Europa League table and end their travel sickness.

It kicks off in Alkmaar on Thursday at 17.45 GMT.

The Giallorossi had a rough start to their European campaign, but just like in Serie A, are starting to steer it back on track.

They have nine points from six games and are one point ahead of AZ Alkmaar in the table.

Ranieri won’t promise what he cannot keep

epa11832130 Roma’s coach Claudio Ranieri during the Italian Serie A soccer match AS Roma vs Genoa CFC at Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, 17 January 2025. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MEO

“I am very curious about the performance we will see tomorrow, because I have great respect for AZ Alkmaar, it is a team I really admire,” said Ranieri in his press conference.

“I am confident, because the team is in good shape. We are in Europe and want to get back to the highest level, but also know we need something incredible to do that. We’ll try to do our best.”

Ranieri was asked if he could promise the fans something more than just hard work and sacrifice, but the lifelong Roma fan avoided that trap.

“We know Rome, so it is better to just promise hard work and sacrifice. That is the right recipe. Never promise something you cannot back up, that is what I built my career on. Why promise something you cannot realistically know for sure?”

Although there have been improvements since Ranieri became Roma’s third coach of the season, the fact remains they are without a victory in 17 away fixtures in all competition.

“We are up against a team that rarely loses at home, but also sooner or later that run has to end,” smiled Ranieri.

The coach was asked whether Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala could be rested, but he shrugged off the question.

“You want me to give you the line-up, eh? You know full well I won’t! Both of them might start, why not?”

Roma have made a new signing as Devyn Rensch has arrived on loan with option to buy from Ajax.

“He is a good player, interesting with good timing in his runs. He is good both going forward and defending, but naturally needs to improve in some areas.”