Ranieri admits Roma already looking for new coach | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri admits Roma are already looking for a new coach for 2025-26 and says only Bryan Cristante is unavailable for tomorrow’s Europa League game against Braga.

The Giallorossi host Portuguese side Braga in a must-win Europa League match on Thursday.

Roma have only collected six points in five games and are outside the top 20 in the competition’s league phase.

“Everyone has recovered except Cristante,” Ranieri said at a pre-match press conference, as quoted by TMW.

“We must give our best in every game; that’s the only way to create a competitive spirit. We must give our best in every game.

“Our fans push the team, and I expect Braga to play vertically in a European style. I expect a great game between two teams that want to win.”

Matias Soulé, one of Roma’s biggest summer signings, has failed to justify his hefty price tag, while Artem Dovbyk has yet to score in three appearances under Ranieri.

“Soulé is the future. He’s a lad who thought he’d do the same things he did at Frosinone, but the summer transfer has had an impact. We’ll try to get the best out of him,” said the Roma boss.

“Dovbyk must recover to his best shape. He is still not fully fit. He must make himself available, and we’ll try to help him recover to his best fitness.”

Ranieri admits Roma already looking for new coach

epa11753656 Roma’s coach Claudio Ranieri looks on during the Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC, in Rome, Italy, 02 December 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MEO

How about Lorenzo Pellegrini? The Italy international played 45 minutes against Napoli and then spent the following three matches on the bench.

“I haven’t talked to him, but he’s more serene during training sessions,” Ranieri revealed.

“He is training well and is returning to be who he was.”

Ranieri hinted that Dybala may not start against Braga tomorrow.

“The cup game is important and the Como game is important. I’ll see what to do,” he said.

Lastly, the Italian tactician admitted that he and club directors are already looking for a new coach for next season.

Ranieri has signed a contract until June 2025 and will “have input” into the selection of the coach for next season.

“We are looking for a good one. That’s it. We’ll try not to make a wrong choice,” Ranieri concluded.