Claudio Ranieri’s pre-Lecce press conference: “December will tell us who we are.” | OneFootball

Roma boss Claudio Ranieri addressed the media ahead of the match with Lecce.

Ranieri previewed the match a few days after Roma’s defeat to Atalanta.

“Pellegrini is training well,” said Ranieri. “He seems to be doing better. I want him to continue like this and then I will decide.”

“I think he’s a splendid offensive midfielder. Against Atalanta I didn’t put him in because I needed a box-to-box player.”

“Dybala? He is a player of quality and not of intensity and he is able to satisfy the will of the team and the coach.”

“I think the real season starts now. December will tell us what we’re made of and who we are,” he added.

“We must be smart, wise and determined. I want to see a team that goes on the pitch without knowing or caring about the name of the opponent, determined every time, ready to fight for every ball as we did against Napoli, Tottenham and Atalanta.”

“The intensity seen in London and with Atalanta is what I want and that’s what I ask for in training, to push. Today they had a great training session. They are starting to get my ideas.”

“I could switch to a 4-man defense, but I’m definitely not saying that, I don’t give the opponent any more chances.”

“Dovbyk? He should have been more aggressive up front, though he’s won many duels already, fighting hard in every match. He is not doing well, he has the flu, I don’t know if I will have him for Lecce.”

“The standings are the current status of all the teams. At this moment we are fighting to move away from the lower standings. I am convinced that the team will succeed, but I am Saint Thomas, I want to touch and believe.”

“The midfield? Cristante still has a bluish ankle. Let’s see if he can train with the team. Le Feé has excellent quality, I see him as an offensive midfielder, but he can do as Ancelotti and Pirlo did when they were young, he has the quality. I know he’ll give us a hand.”

“We can all easily see that Paredes is a champion. He put in two excellent performances against Spurs and Atalanta. I hope he can always play at this level. I don’t see why I should change him.”

“I told the boys that there is only one thing they cannot control: the will to die on the pitch. Even if you are losing 3-0 they have to give it their all. This is important to me. You can play well or badly, but give me everything in there.”

“Refereeing errors? Refereeing is the most difficult thing to do, you have to know how to respect them. If we analyze the errors of the past with those of today, we are grateful that they are at this level. You can complain but always with respect for the officials.”

“Bove? We all send him a big hug. Stay strong, Edoardo, we’re all with you.”