Roma boss Claudio Ranieri insists the row between Edin Dzeko and Stephan El Shaarawy was ‘normal’ and that Robin Olsen retains his ‘confidence’.
Olsen’s future at Roma has been thrown into doubt after several high-profile errors in goal this season, while he came under further fire for his performance during Sweden’s 3-3 draw with Norway during the international break.
Roma boss Claudio Ranieri insists the row between Edin Dzeko and Stephan El Shaarawy was ‘normal’ and that Robin Olsen retains his ‘confidence’.
Olsen’s future at Roma has been thrown into doubt after several high-profile errors in goal this season, while he came under further fire for his performance during Sweden’s 3-3 draw with Norway during the international break.
“For me Robin is a very good goalkeeper. I won’t put into discussion whether he starts or not,” argued Ranieri ahead of Sunday’s Serie A clash with Napoli.
“I followed him before he came to Roma. He has my confidence. I believe this team have the potential to get back into the Champions League.
“The others, front and back, are pushing hard, so I hope my players react to this adversity. We have an opportunity to achieve the objective we’ve set ourselves.”
Dzeko and El Shaarawy reportedly came close to blows in the dressing room at SPAL last time out, so what did the Coach make of it all?
“It was a normal row, which happens in every family,” he assured.
“Now everything’s fine. I took only El Shaarawy off for tactical reasons. The team are used to playing in a 4-3-3, where the wingers do a different job than in a 4-4-2.
“I talked to El Shaarawy beforehand. I’d asked certain things of him, but he had difficulty doing them so I had it my mind to bring on Perotti. The change was only tactical.
“I never said that I was forced to take this job. I’ve always followed Roma, even from afar.
“I’ve never forgotten my roots, I knew it was an exceptional situation and so I got to work. I hope my work bears fruit.
“The fan-team relationship at Roma is everything. It has always been the case and it always will be. I’ve always said it and always thought it.
“Players, Coaches and Presidents change, but the fans remain. The fans want to see us give everything on the field.
“After that, they can accept mistakes. Our fans are our extra weapon, they can give us confidence and belief in our quality.
“When a mistake is made, the fans must support us. If the fans roar at your mistakes, you suffer a blow.
“I hope the fans understand the situation we’re in and stand behind us with confidence and love.”