Claudio Ranieri has expressed his openness to joining the Italian national team, whether in a coaching or directorial capacity. Previously, he declined such an offer due to existing commitments, but now that he is free, he believes one should always say yes when called upon by their country.
Speaking at the Gianni Di Marzio Awards, the former Roma director shared insights into his future career aspirations with Sky Sport Italia. Ranieri has retired from coaching twice before and departed from his consultant role at Roma following disagreements with coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Recent speculation has suggested that Ranieri could be instrumental in revitalizing the Italian team, which has missed out on three consecutive World Cup appearances. He previously turned down an offer from the Italian national team because he was already employed by Roma and could not juggle both roles. However, he now states, “At this point in time, I am free, so if anyone was to call, why not? Never say never.”
When questioned about his preference between a coaching or director role, Ranieri responded, “I don’t know, when you are called by your country, you say yes and that’s that.”
Ranieri’s legacy is strongly tied to Leicester City, where he famously led them to a Premier League title a decade ago. Reflecting on the club’s current situation, having been relegated to the third tier of English football, he noted, “It was considered a yo-yo club in England, going up and down through the top two divisions. It’s a pity they have dropped down to the third tier.” He also mentioned his upcoming visit to Leicester for celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of their Premier League win, highlighting the fans’ desire to recapture that celebratory atmosphere.
It has been revealed that Enzo Maresca sought Ranieri’s advice for several of his previous coaching positions, including at Leicester City and Chelsea. Regarding Maresca’s future, Ranieri commented, “Maresca is one of the most promising young coaches that we have and I hope he will remain in England.”
Ranieri Had Been Offered Italy Role Before
English Translation:
Claudio Ranieri admits he would join the Italy national team, either as a coach or a director. He stated, “I said no before because I had a job, but now I am free. When called by your country, you say yes.”
The former Roma director was present at the Gianni Di Marzio Awards and spoke to Sky Sport Italia about the next chapter in his extensive and remarkable career.
He has already retired from coaching twice. His tenure as a consultant for the Giallorossi ended due to conflicts with coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Some reports have indicated that Ranieri could be the individual to lead Italy back to success after their failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups.
Ranieri Had Been Offered Italy Role Before
Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia, “I said no to Italy before because I already had a job at Roma and could not do two jobs. At this point in time, I am free, so if anyone was to call, why not? Never say never.”
When asked if he would accept a role as coach or just a director, he replied, “I don’t know, when you are called by your country, you say yes and that’s that.”
Ranieri will forever be associated with Leicester City for their Premier League triumph a decade ago. Now, 10 years later, the Foxes have been relegated to the third tier of English football.
Ranieri observed, “It was considered a yo-yo club in England, going up and down through the top two divisions. It’s a pity they have dropped down to the third tier. I will soon be going to Leicester for the celebrations 10 years on from the Premier League title, and the fans care about recreating that atmosphere.”
It was revealed that Enzo Maresca had contacted Ranieri for advice before taking on several of his coaching roles, including at Leicester City and Chelsea. Regarding Maresca’s next steps, Ranieri commented, “Maresca is one of the most promising young coaches that we have and I hope he will remain in England.”