Claudio Ranieri congratulated Gennaro Gattuso after the defeat to Napoli, but raised more questions on his Sampdoria future.
The Blucerchiati were beaten 2-0 at Marassi with goals from Fabian Ruiz and Victor Osimhen, although Morten Thorsby’s equaliser was disallowed for a push and there were some complaints over the second goal too.
Claudio Ranieri congratulated Gennaro Gattuso after the defeat to Napoli, but raised more questions on his Sampdoria future.
The Blucerchiati were beaten 2-0 at Marassi with goals from Fabian Ruiz and Victor Osimhen, although Morten Thorsby’s equaliser was disallowed for a push and there were some complaints over the second goal too.
“In my view, if a player jumps, has no interest in the ball and nudges his opponent, I’d give a foul. Then again, I am not a referee, and therefore I have to shut up,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.
“The team played well, we caused Napoli all sorts of problems, but the moment we tried to take a breather, they took control. We changed system after the break and went with a diamond midfield.
“I congratulated Gattuso after the final whistle, because his teams have always played well, despite people saying he was all about grit and determination. That’s not true, Napoli play out from the back and have a lot of quality.
“As for us, I appreciated our desire to fight it out and try to win.”
Ranieri was asked if he had a paternal rapport with Gattuso and hit back.
“Steady on! At least a big brother! Let’s just say it’s mutual admiration from one coach to another.”
Sampdoria director Carlo Osti said before the game that negotiations between President Massimo Ferrero and Ranieri were dragging on, because they both had a ‘prima donna’ attitude.
“We’ll see what happens. The President knows where I am if he wants to talk. I am in no rush and want to enjoy myself. Who is more of a prima donna? I would never win that battle.”