Former Roma manager Claudio Ranieri discussed his return to Serie A after leading Cagliari to a long-awaited promotion.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian technician reflected on his career and his passion for coaching at age 72.
“When I’m on the pitch I feel alive,” said Ranieri. “I have great desire to stay at Cagliari and the thought of leaving never crossed my mind.”
“I live and breathe football 25 hours a day. I watch and rewatch footage at home, I discuss it with my staff. And when I’m not watching football, I’m thinking about it. I’m methodical.”
“Serie A has become an incredibly fast-paced league,” he added. “Everybody runs like crazy. Everybody’s pressing and playing out from the back.”
“Spalletti? I am not friends with him, but I have great respect for him. I am friends with Mourinho and we keep in touch via text messages. He’s a great man, a different person than the one everyone sees.”
