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Claudio Ranieri oversees his first training session back in charge of Roma. (picture via www.asroma.it)
Former Roma star Antonio Cassano was harshly critical of the Friedkin family’s decision to hire Claudio Ranieri as their third manager of the season, as he believes such a move highlights a lack of vision from the owners and was just aimed at keeping a ‘poisoned environment’ calm.
Ranieri had officially retired from football at the end of last season, after steering Cagliari to safety, but insisted that the Rossoblu and Roma were the only two teams that could’ve persuaded him to return to coaching.
However, Cassano is adamant that the Giallorossi need ‘something else’ at this moment, notably an ‘international’ profile to allow them to ‘plan for the future’ rather than a coach who is ready to ‘become a club executive next year’.
Cassano: Ranieri’s return to Roma a ‘disgusting’ move from Friedkins to keep fans ‘calm’
“The Friedkins don’t understand that the people in Rome aren’t stupid,” Cassano said during Viva El Football podcast.
“In my opinion, the Friedkin family has made yet another mess. What did they do? Seeing that the environment is poisoned and furious with them, they thought: ‘Since I don’t want to bring in De Rossi, I’ll bring in someone who will calm everyone down.’
“With all due respect to this person, who is a true gentleman, let’s be honest—he himself said he was done. He said: ‘I don’t want to coach anyone anymore.’
“So, they bring in a man who decided to retire and who keeps the fans calm. In fact, what did Ranieri say? He said nice things in favour of the Friedkins, like: ‘Don’t boo us, please, let’s stay united and support us, because we need you. Then, if necessary, boo us at the end.’
“In a place like Rome, what does he do? He brings calm and peace. But Roma needs something else — a coach of a certain calibre, with international experience, a winner with whom you can plan for the future.
“He already spoke like a club executive. What is this? It’s disgusting.
“Friedkins, explain to me what kind of move this is. Just to calm people down? Since I’m not stupid, I know some people will be happy because Ranieri is back, Roman pride and all that…
“But it’s disgusting. You bring in someone who will probably become a club executive next year.”
Ranieri became Roma’s fourth manager in 2024, including the sacking of José Mourinho last season at the beginning of the year. The Giallorossi owners will have three managers on their payroll until the summer of 2025 unless Ivan Juric or Daniele De Rossi find another team, as their contracts with the club are still running.