Ranieri hints at new Roma signings and makes Leicester admission

Claudio Ranieri reveals he received more offers in recent months than after winning the Premier League title with Leicester City and confirms Roma will sign new players this month.

Roma will complete new signings in the January transfer window, the Giallorossi coach Ranieri confirmed in an interview with Corriere dello Sport.

“I already have a good team, but it must be completed because we’ll soon play three games per week,” he said.

“We need something more. There will be departures too, and the new signings must respect the Financial Fair Play parameters.”

Ranieri has a perfect record in Rome derbies as he beat the Biancocelesti five times from five. The latest victory against Roma’s city rivals came this past weekend.

“Intense emotions, also because they are the last ones,” he said.

“The last stage has started, but when you think it’s over, that’s when you have to start climbing.

Ranieri hints at new Roma signings and makes Leicester admission

“I was happy for the fans. The joy you give people is bigger than the one you receive. I have no fear of saying things straight. We beat a Lazio side that is having a great season, playing beautiful football. I saw a different Roma on Sunday, a Roma that knows how to stay on the pitch, very different from the one in Naples. The progress is visible. We put in a decent performance in Naples, but we were too shy, we didn’t try to win it.”

Ranieri had announced his retirement from club football after leaving Cagliari last summer, but Roma’s call to replace Ivan Juric in November convinced him to return. He has signed a contract until the end of the season.

“Do you know I’ve received more offers in recent months than after the triumph with Leicester City?” he revealed.

“When I realised there was still a desire to have me, the desire returned to me, too, but I knew I would return just for two teams: Cagliari and Roma.

“I received a call from Ghisolfi, who told me the Friedkins wanted to talk to me, and I immediately took off for London.”

What did he feel during the meeting with the club owners? And why are the Friedkins reluctant to talk publicly?

“I’ve understood them. They want to do well and take Roma back to the top,” said Ranieri.

“Do you see other American owners who release interviews or speak publicly? That’s the way Americans are made. They delegate and if things don’t work, they change.”

Paulo Dybala has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, but the Argentinean has been playing a key role for Roma in recent weeks. His contract expires in June, but three more appearances for 45 minutes each will automatically extend his stay to 2026.

“He smiles and smiling is important,” said Ranieri.

“Those who arrive at the pitch with a smile, like Paulo does, make the job easier and fill the heart. I already liked Dybala when he was at Palermo.

“Paulo belongs to a superior football. Now, he plays a lot because he feels well, but he must be protected. I replace him when I see that he’s tired. He and Dovbyk made exceptional work in the derby, contributing to the victory.”