Claudio Ranieri reveals what he asked of Sampdoria before their win in Parma, plus the positives of playing behind closed doors.
The Blucerchiati notched up their second consecutive victory, leaving the Stadio Tardini with a 2-0 result thanks to Maya Yoshida and Keita Balde Diao goals.
Claudio Ranieri reveals what he asked of Sampdoria before their win in Parma, plus the positives of playing behind closed doors.
The Blucerchiati notched up their second consecutive victory, leaving the Stadio Tardini with a 2-0 result thanks to Maya Yoshida and Keita Balde Diao goals.
“We’d been quite inconsistent recently, we would win and then lose the next, so I hammered into the players this week that we had to start putting together a run of results,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.
“We were making some silly mistakes in the first half and I will talk to the lads in training, because that’s just not good enough.
“I asked for some things, they did very well upfront, as I told the strikers they had to track back and help the team when we were under pressure, they couldn’t just be a separate entity out there.”
Samp are now comfortably mid-table in 10th place and could even begin to aim higher rather than worry about the relegation zone.
“Juventus are coming up, we know they are in an excellent period of form and have incredible players, so we could well lose, but we have to try and play our game.
“What we cannot do is what we did this evening in the first half, when we allowed Parma too many shots on goal.”
Emil Audero was decisive in goal with several big saves this evening, fingertipping the Gervinho strike onto the post.
“I told Audero that he had some great years, but last season was quite iffy, so this had to be his season, the consecration of his career. He is improving in the way he comes off his line and the team seems to trust him, he is certainly getting us out of trouble quite a few times.”
Ranieri took over Samp in November 2019 after the dismal Eusebio Di Francesco period, so was asked if he is thinking of extending his current contract.
“I am happy here, I have no particular problems. If I take the team to safety, I am even happier, but there’s time for a contract. I am in no hurry.”
Ranieri has been the most vocal coach in his dislike of playing behind closed doors, but is coming round to the idea.
“The atmosphere is totally different in the stadium, but maybe it has some positives as well as negatives. Among the negatives are of course that everyone can hear what I say when I get angry, so I’ve been sent off a couple of times!
“As for the positives, it might help some of the younger players. When they make mistakes, the crowd starts to grumble and it can affect their mentality, but like this they can make as many mistakes as they want and stay focused, keep going. It is helpful.”