Romantic return: Ranieri becomes Roma's fourth coach this year

AS Roma has had a tumultuous year, undergoing significant instability with their coaching staff.

The appointment of Claudio Ranieri as the new head coach marks the fourth managerial change in a single calendar year, a clear sign of the club’s struggle to find stability and consistent results. The year began with the departure of José Mourinho in January, a surprising move considering the Portuguese manager’s reputation and past success. Despite leading Roma to a UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2022, Mourinho’s tenure ended abruptly after a series of disappointing results and reported conflicts with the club’s board.

Following Mourinho’s departure, Roma turned to a club legend, Daniele De Rossi, in hopes of reigniting the passion and identity associated with the team. De Rossi, who spent his entire playing career at Roma, was seen as a symbolic appointment, aiming to reconnect the team with its historic roots. However, his time as head coach was short-lived. By September, it was clear that De Rossi’s inexperience at the top level was becoming a liability, and he was relieved of his duties after a string of poor performances.

The club then made a bold move by appointing Ivan Juric, a manager known for his aggressive, high-pressing style. Juric’s arrival was met with optimism, as he was seen as someone who could bring a fresh tactical approach and discipline to the squad. Yet, his tenure was even shorter than expected. After less than two months in charge, Juric was dismissed earlier this week, reportedly due to disagreements with the club’s directors and a failure to implement his ideas quickly enough. The rapid turnover of managers has left fans and players alike in a state of uncertainty, highlighting a broader issue within the club’s structure and decision-making process.

Amidst this chaos, Claudio Ranieri’s return to the Stadio Olimpico is being viewed as a move aimed at bringing calm and experience to the team. This will be Ranieri’s third stint at the helm of AS Roma, a club he knows intimately. His first spell was from 2009 to 2011, where he came close to winning the Serie A title in the 2009/10 season, only to narrowly miss out to Inter Milan. Despite the disappointment, Ranieri left a positive mark with his tactical acumen and ability to motivate the squad. He returned briefly in 2019 as a caretaker manager, stabilizing the team during a difficult period and helping them secure a respectable finish in the league.

Ranieri’s coaching career spans over four decades, making him one of the most experienced managers in the sport. The highlight of his illustrious journey was undoubtedly the 2015/16 season with Leicester City. In what is considered one of the greatest sporting achievements in football history, Ranieri led the underdog team to the English Premier League title, defying 5000-1 odds. His success at Leicester solidified his reputation as a manager capable of achieving the extraordinary, particularly when he has the support and belief of his players.

Despite announcing his retirement as a coach earlier this year after a stint with Cagliari, Ranieri’s return to AS Roma signals his enduring passion for the game. At 73 years old, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a steady hand that could be exactly what Roma needs in this turbulent period. His career résumé is extensive and impressive, featuring top clubs from across Europe. Ranieri has managed Valencia and Atlético Madrid in Spain, Chelsea in England, Parma, Juventus, and Inter Milan in Italy, as well as AS Monaco in France. He also had a brief spell as the head coach of the Greek national team, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to different footballing cultures.

His experience in handling both top-tier clubs and underdog teams makes him uniquely suited to the current situation at Roma. The team is languishing in twelfth place in Serie A, far below expectations for a club of their stature. Ranieri’s primary task will be to instill discipline, boost the players’ morale, and implement a tactical structure that can help the team climb the table. Given his history with the club and the affection the fans have for him, Ranieri could be the perfect figure to unite the squad and provide the stability they desperately need.

The immediate challenge for Ranieri will be to get the team back on track in the league while also managing the demands of their European commitments. AS Roma is still active in the UEFA Europa League, and a strong run in that competition could help salvage what has been a disappointing season so far. Ranieri’s experience in European competitions, having previously led teams deep into the Champions League and Europa League, could be a valuable asset.

On Thursday, Ranieri is set to lead his first training session at the club’s facilities. The session will be closely watched, as fans and media alike are eager to see what changes the veteran coach will implement. It remains to be seen how Ranieri will set up his team tactically, but given his pragmatic approach, it’s likely he will focus on tightening the defense and building a more cohesive unit. The players will need to adapt quickly, as the fixtures are coming thick and fast, leaving little time for experimentation.

As Ranieri steps back onto the training pitch, he will be greeted with both hope and high expectations. The fans are yearning for a turnaround, and the board will be looking to him to restore a sense of direction. For Ranieri, this opportunity is not just about coming out of retirement; it’s a chance to write another chapter in his storied career, at a club that holds a special place in his heart. If he can guide Roma to a strong finish in Serie A and a deep run in Europe, it would be a fitting addition to his legacy, proving once again that he is the man for the big occasions.