Rome, Italy – November 20, 2024**
AS Roma has officially announced the return of Claudio Ranieri as the club’s new head coach, marking a dramatic yet welcomed return for the beloved Italian tactician. Ranieri, who previously managed Roma from 2009 to 2011, has signed a contract to take over the managerial reins after the recent departure of José Mourinho.
The announcement came just hours after the club confirmed Mourinho’s exit, with Roma’s board moving swiftly to appoint Ranieri, a figure who has long held a special place in the hearts of the club’s supporters. Ranieri, 72, brings with him decades of experience in Italian and international football, having managed some of Europe’s top clubs, including Leicester City, where he achieved legendary status after leading the team to a stunning Premier League title in 2016.
“We are thrilled to welcome Claudio Ranieri back to Roma,” said Tiago Pinto, Roma’s General Manager. “Claudio is a true professional and a man who understands the spirit of this club. His leadership, experience, and knowledge of Roma will be invaluable as we look to build a competitive team for the future.”
Ranieri expressed his excitement at the new challenge during a press conference at Roma’s Trigoria training ground. “Roma is a special place for me. It feels like coming home,” said Ranieri, smiling warmly at the assembled media. “I know the expectations, the passion of the fans, and the pride of wearing the Roma colors. I will give everything to bring this team back to where it belongs.”
The veteran coach takes over a squad currently sitting mid-table in Serie A, underperforming after a promising start to the season. Despite the team’s individual talents, Roma have struggled with consistency and recent setbacks, particularly in their Serie A and Europa League campaigns.
Ranieri’s first task will be to revive the team’s fortunes and stabilize the club’s position in the league. “I’ve always believed in teamwork, discipline, and attacking football,” he added. “We will work hard, be united, and try to bring joy back to our fans.”
This marks Ranieri’s return to Roma after a 13-year absence, a period in which he managed several high-profile teams, including Chelsea, Inter Milan, and most notably, Leicester City. His remarkable achievements with Leicester, where he led the underdog club to the Premier League title against all odds, cemented his place as one of the most respected coaches in the game.
Roma fans will recall Ranieri’s first stint with the club, where he helped guide the Giallorossi to a second-place finish in Serie A in the 2009-2010 season, their highest league position in over a decade. His tactical acumen, ability to nurture young talent, and his connection to the city of Rome and its people endeared him to the supporters.
The club has been in a period of transition since the departure of long-time president James Pallotta and the arrival of new owners, with expectations high for Roma to challenge for major honors. Despite an inconsistent start to the season under Mourinho, the club’s leadership believes that Ranieri is the right man to steady the ship and deliver positive results.
Ranieri inherits a squad filled with quality players such as Paulo Dybala, Tammy Abraham, and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who will be looking to reignite their form under the new manager. The team will face a challenging stretch of matches, including key Serie A fixtures against top teams, making Ranieri’s immediate impact crucial.
Fans of Roma have expressed excitement on social media, with many seeing Ranieri’s return as a symbol of hope and a potential turning point for the club. His deep connection to the club and his calm, composed demeanor are seen as qualities that can inspire Roma to rediscover their best form.
Ranieri’s first official match in charge will be against Fiorentina this weekend, where he will hope to make a strong impression on both his players and the passionate Roma supporters, who are eager for a new era under their returning hero.
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