Ranieri: ‘I will not abandon Roma’

Claudio Ranieri is adamant he will “not abandon the ship” after 200 Roma fans stage a violent protest at the training ground.

This morning a large group of ultras threw fireworks and smoke bombs into the Trigoria camp and had to be dispersed by police.

“Relax, I'm not going anywhere. I will not abandon the ship,” said the Coach after three consecutive defeats in all competition.

Claudio Ranieri is adamant he will “not abandon the ship” after 200 Roma fans stage a violent protest at the training ground.

This morning a large group of ultras threw fireworks and smoke bombs into the Trigoria camp and had to be dispersed by police.

“Relax, I'm not going anywhere. I will not abandon the ship,” said the Coach after three consecutive defeats in all competition.

“I won't leave mid-season. It is a difficult situation, so as a native Roman I feel twice as bad, but I don't like to give in. I have always faced challenges head-on and will continue to do so.”

Ranieri's future hangs in the balance and the Giallorossi are heading for a new era if American investor Thomas DiBenedetto's takeover bid goes through.

“The Sensi family is selling up, while there is a new buyer who still has to complete the process. I received positive messages that they want to renew my contract, but we cannot rush these things.”

Ahead of the trip to Genoa, Roma fans are increasingly furious with their team following losses to Inter, Napoli and Shakhtar Donetsk.

“You have to consider the situation when I arrived, as there was no money and I knew it was an extremely difficult situation. I could've easily walked away last season, knowing the next term would be tough. However, that would've been like betraying myself.

“The fans want to see a team that gives everything on the field. They are focusing on tomorrow's game against Genoa and want results. They couldn't care less about club plans and strategies for the future.”