Roma senior advisor outlines the Friedkins’ long-term vision, explains the internal dynamics at Trigoria, and addresses the futures of Dybala and Pellegrini.
After months of relative silence, Claudio Ranieri has stepped forward to clarify Roma’s present and future. Speaking to Sky Sport, the senior advisor to the Friedkin ownership delivered a candid assessment of the club’s internal dynamics, ambitions, and key contract situations — aiming to restore calm after recent tensions.
Ranieri was clear from the outset: Roma are building, not demanding instant success. “The goal is to go as high as possible,” he said, “but we know we’re in a construction phase. We’re not asking for Champions League qualification right now. There’s a three-year plan, based on a core group of 15 senior players plus young talents. Doing everything immediately isn’t realistic.”
At the center of the project is Gian Piero Gasperini, a choice Ranieri himself strongly supported. “The Friedkins chose Gasperini, and we’re happy with how the team is playing and with his work,” he added. “He’s intense, demanding, and extremely clear in what he wants.”
Gasperini and Massara: Two Styles, One Direction
Ranieri also addressed the relationship between Gasperini and sporting director Frederic Massara, acknowledging their contrasting personalities.
“Gasperini pushes everyone — he’d probably push even God,” Ranieri joked. “He comes in every morning banging his fist on the table saying, ‘I want this.’ Massara, on the other hand, is calm and reflective. He represents the club, listens to the coach, and then works with the Friedkins on what’s actually possible. I’m the one in the middle.”
Despite the occasional friction, Ranieri dismissed any notion of disunity. “When Gasperini speaks, he doesn’t say a word out of place. I often agree with him, and I tell the owners that. He has a strong vision — time will tell how far it can take us.”
Transfers, Wages, and Renewals
Ranieri praised the January signings, highlighting how Gasperini’s requests were largely met. “He wanted Malen and Zaragoza, and he got them,” Ranieri said. “We’re also investing in young players like Vaz. Other clubs buy youngsters for €50–60 million — we can’t compete with Chelsea or Liverpool on that level. We need to be smart.”
That philosophy also applies to contract renewals, including those of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
“For the club’s sustainability, we have to lower the wage bill,” Ranieri explained. “It’s not that the club doesn’t want to renew contracts. But based on what the pitch tells us, there has to be compromise. If we meet halfway, great. Otherwise, we shake hands and move on.”
The Friedkins’ Ambition and the Totti Question
Ranieri confirmed that the Friedkins’ ambitions remain high, pointing to the new stadium project as proof of their long-term commitment. “The ownership wants Roma to reach the Champions League and stay there. One day, we want to compete for the Scudetto — but not by skipping steps.”
Finally, he addressed the possibility of Francesco Totti returning to the club in an operational role. “The Friedkins are thinking about it, and I hope Francesco can truly be useful to Roma,” Ranieri said. “He is Roma.”
Talks are ongoing, with Ranieri himself acting as a mediator. The idea would be to bring Totti back in a hands-on role at Trigoria, similar to the model once used by Milan with Paolo Maldini.
For now, Ranieri’s message is one of patience, clarity, and alignment: Roma are building carefully, balancing ambition with sustainability — and asking everyone, inside and outside the club, to judge the project over time rather than in headlines.
