Ranieri outlines Roma transfer plan, Dovbyk ‘necessity’, but dodges Dybala questions

Claudio Ranieri has spoken in-depth about the strategy Roma will pursue in the January transfer market, explained how to get the best out of centre-forward Artem Dovbyk, but avoided answering questions about Paulo Dybala’s future during his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

The Giallorossi boss was speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Roma’s visit from Parma in Serie A on Saturday. 

“They’re a lively team. I don’t want to see what I saw in the second half against Como again,” Ranieri said in preview of his upcoming opposition.

“All their attackers are good. They don’t tend to play in their own half, sometimes they go with a 4-2-4. We have to be careful and be ready.”

Ranieri on Roma’s transfer strategy 

During his customary chat with the press, Ranieri explained that it is difficult to acquire the right profile of players in the winter transfer session, but said that if there is room for Roma to improve, the club will do it.

“I look for the best in everyone, I want to see the best in their preparation. I can’t do anything if they don’t have it. We look at everything. It’s difficult to find the characteristics we would like in a player in the January market. We will look for those guys who can give us a hand and can also play a part in Roma’s future.”

Rainieri was asked how many defenders he thinks he will need for his preferred three-at-the-back system, but the coach refused to put a specific number on it.

He said: “I don’t really count them. Celik can be a good wing-back, even though I don’t like that term. We’ll see anyway. If there’s a possibility to improve, we’ll improve.”

And on centre-back Evan Ndicka and his best position, Ranieri added: “Ndicka is more comfortable on the left of the centre. He carries the ball and knows how to play i t without being blocked centrally.

Ranieri on Dovbyk, Roma’s director hunt and Dybala question 

Roma are still without a CEO following the resignation of Lina Souloukou back in October, but Ranieri insists that the club will take their time in finding a replacement.

“We haven’t thought about it yet. I’m trying to do my best to get the coach to come to Rome. I’ll always give my all. You know I do it because I’m a fan. Whatever the club asks of me, I try and do the best I can.”

However, he did admit later on that there have been initial chats with Federico Balzaretti, who ended his playing career with Roma and is currently serving as technical director at Udinese.

“We’ve spoken about it, along with Ghisolfi. He’s a serious and well-prepared guy.”

Explaining how to get the best out of centre-forward Dovbyk, Ranieri said: “Crosses for Dovbyk are a necessity. That is his strength regardless of the game or the system. Whether it’s a winger or a wing-back, the important thing is that we have players who know how to cross.”

Then, when asked if he has spoken to Dybala recently, Ranieri replied: “I’m thinking 90% about the game. I’m focusing on Parma now, because they’re a difficult team and it will be a game full of goals. We have to play a good game.”