Claudio Ranieri is living up to his Tinkerman reputation with eight of Cagliari’s last nine goals coming from substitutes. ‘You have two choices: give up or react.’
The Sardinians had not managed a single Serie A victory all season, but are now on a roll with three in a row between the League and Coppa Italia.
This afternoon they got the better of Genoa 2-1 at the Unipol Domus thanks to second half substitutes Nicolas Viola and Gabriele Zappa, around a temporary Albert Gudmundsson equaliser.
“Unfortunately, Gudmundsson seems to score at every touch at the moment, but I am angrier at the chance we allowed in stoppages with that great Simone Scuffet save on George Puscas,” said Ranieri in his press conference.
“Just 10 days ago, it felt like we couldn’t find the net even if we tried using our hands, so I am glad to see that has changed.”
Ranieri was nicknamed Tinkerman in the Premier League at Chelsea and Leicester City, proving he’s still got the knack because eight of the last nine competitive goals scored by Cagliari have come off the bench.
“When things are not going well, you have two choices: give up or react. My lads will not stand for defeat, they want to stay in Serie A. It is the players who motivate me with their battling spirit. Fortunately, those who come on do it with the right attitude.
“I would love to play all of them, but a coach has to make choices and I will be honest, they make it difficult for me. Fortunately we have five changes available and those who come on can make the difference. That makes me proud.”
The veteran coach also reveals his advice has soaked in for Gaetano Oristanio, who is on loan from Inter.
“I told him that he is being too selfish and always going for the personal goal. I am glad that today he made that pass for Viola, it was the right decision.
“As for Viola, he had a rough time last season because when he arrived, the team was getting into gear and I could not really change things when they were going so well and marching towards promotion.
“I talked to him today, said that I admire him as a person and a player. He has guts and this is the type of player that a coach wants to have.”
Next up, Cagliari are against Juventus, who Ranieri says are one of the favourites due to the lack of Cup commitments.
“Will we try to win? Of course we will, the worst that can happen is that we lose.”