Ranieri: Players behind me despite struggles
Reuters - Tuesday 15 February 2011, 18:21
ROME - AS Roma coach Claudio Ranieri has
the full support of his players despite the club's poor form and
new owners circling, he said on Tuesday.
Roma face Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk at home in the first
leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday having
not won in three Serie A games.
Fans protested at training following Saturday's 2-0 home
defeat by Napoli which left last term's runners-up in eighth
spot.
An American consortium Di Benedetto was given a 30-day
exclusive negotiation period on Tuesday to discuss a purchase of
the cash-strapped club with media reports saying Ranieri's job
could be at risk.
"Three or four months ago I talked with the lads and I asked
'is there a problem with me? If so I'll leave.' They said no and
here we are," Ranieri told a news conference.
"I did it because for us it's a very particular season. It's
useless to deny it. The situation with the club's future that we
are going through is obviously an influence."
Roma fan and Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has been heavily
linked with the club in the media and some reports have even
said former striker Vincenzo Montella could be installed as
caretaker but Ranieri is doubtful.
"A coach is like a husband. He is the last to know about
certain things. Don't ask me if Montella is coming but I think
it's just Roman gossip," he said.
Defender Philippe Mexes, sat alongside his coach, confirmed
that Ranieri had asked for and got the squad's backing.
"We are giving our utmost but it's the players who are
guilty primarily," the Frenchman added.