Claudio Ranieri says Roma have already reached an agreement with their new coach, but ‘it’s up to the president to decide when to announce it.’
Roma have already shaken hands with their new coach, who will replace Ranieri in 2025-26.
The 73-year-old Italian tactician announced it during an interview with La Repubblica.
“Of course, it’s already done. But it will be up to the president to decide when to announce it,” he said.
Several coaches, including Massimiliano Allegri, Maurizio Sarri, and even Jürgen Klopp, have been linked with the job at the Stadio Olimpico.
“Even my brother called me and said, ‘At least tell me! Everyone is asking me.’” Ranieri revealed.
“I said, ‘That’s exactly why I’m not telling you, so the word doesn’t get out.’ I even told Venditti, ‘You’ll all find out on July 1.’ He said, ‘If he arrives in July, he won’t know the players.’ So I said, ‘I’ll explain them to him myself.’”
Venditti is one of the most popular Italian singers, a die-hard Roma fan, and author of the club’s iconic anthem.
As announced by Roma in November, Ranieri will remain at the club next season.
“I will be Friedkin’s advisor,” Ranieri confirmed.
“I often talk to the President, I tell him what’s working and what’s not. He listens and acts. I already did the same this year.”
During today’s pre-match press conference, Ranieri said Artem Dovbyk should recover for the last game of the season against Torino on Sunday. The Ukraine international completed a full training session with the rest of the team today.
“I’m focused on the match. I want to thank the Roma fans,” Ranieri told reporters via Sky Sport.
“I didn’t expect something so wonderful. I’ve always told the boys to play until the very last second of the last match. We’ve made it into Europe, though we don’t know which competition yet. I’m satisfied, we’ll give everything we have.”
Naturally, however, Ranieri answered some more questions about the next coach, but still kept his name secret.
“I’m not thinking about how he’ll be welcomed, but the fans must be sad when he leaves. That’s what I’d like. Oh, were you expecting a name?” the Italian coach concluded.
