Roma Star Credits Ranieri for Breakout Season Ahead of Permanent Move | OneFootball

Roma ace thanked manager Claudio Ranieri for helping him establish himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A this season. Speaking to Sky Sport via Calciomercato, the Borussia Monchengladbach loanee hailed the veteran coach’s influence on his rise to prominence at the Stadio Olimpico.

“He’s a great coach. He has international experience and has done well everywhere,” the Roma star said. “He encourages me, tells me where to position myself and how to improve. We can speak French, and that’s a big help because we have direct communication. During the season, we’ve all needed him – me in particular.”

Kone, who joined Roma on a season-long loan last summer, has collected 30 league appearances, netting two goals and delivering one assist. The Giallorossi will turn his move permanent in June after agreeing on an €18 million estimated fee with the Bundesliga club.

The French star will pen a four-year deal in Rome. But first, he hopes to help Roma return to the Champions League. Last weekend’s 1-0 win at Inter saw Ranieri’s charges maintain a two-gap deficit to fourth-placed Juventus. Furthermore, they’re now unbeaten in 18 league games.

“That win showed that we’re a strong team,” Kone continued. “Even those who came off the bench gave everything. It wasn’t easy to play against Inter – we didn’t win by luck. We can do well away from home too and win: if we beat Inter, we can beat Atalanta and Torino as well,” the Roma man concluded.