Yahoo Sports Hummels Backs Ranieri to Stay, Uncertain on His Future
Mats Hummels has finally gotten going under Claudio Ranieri after a challenging start to the season. He discussed what happened early on and more in an interview with Il Messaggero.
“I’d be 100 percent if it wasn’t for a pair of bouts with the flu. I’m finding the right rhythm and I’m happy overall. The coach took me to the side on day one to tell me that he knew me, had been following me, and liked my style. He didn’t have doubts I’d have an important role. He told me he trusted me.”
Instead, that wasn’t the case under Ivan Juric.
“He had his own ideas and opinions about how to play. Evidently, I wasn’t the right fit for him, but we didn’t have any personal problems. He just didn’t field me. I think he’s a good person. It was an anomaly in my 18-year career. I don’t know the reason why. I’ll ask him if I have the chance. He was always nice with me, but never put me in the XI.”
Hummels backed Ranieri to remain at the helm next season but didn’t commit for the future.
“He’s a top-class coach. I figured it out since the first time I saw him. He has a natural authority and is knowledgeable. He doesn’t need to raise his voice to make the players listen and understand. He’s kind and would be a great gaffer for any team, especially this one. I have to decide what to do, but he’s a keeper. I’ll make up my mind in the summer. If I stay, I’d be happy to be managed by him.”
