Ten Hag in the stands ignited dreams, but Roma has already chosen. An unexpected name, a Scudetto coach: here’s who really convinced Ranieri
Altro che Ten Hag alla Roma, Ranieri ha scelto: arriva uno scudettato (Foto: LaPresse) – serieanews.com
The grandstand at the Olympic Stadium, it is known, can become more interesting than the field. At least for those who like to decipher looks, gestures, unusual presences. On Sunday night, during Roma-Juventus, one name raised the antennae more than the usual VIPs or executives passing by: Eric Ten Hag, elegant, discreet, there watching the show with the air of someone who knows he is being watched.
And that was enough to get the collective imagination going. “Is he the new Roma coach?”, “Contact in progress?”, “Here is the international profile that was needed to relaunch the project!”. Headlines, tweets, voice messages in group chats: all fantasizing about a future with the Dutch coach on the bench.
But in Rome, when the voice runs too fast, it often ends up stumbling.
Because on closer inspection, that presence didn’t add up. Too conspicuous, too blatant. If there really was something to it, parading him around in plain sight would have been naïve at the very least. No, Ten Hag was there for reasons of his own, but certainly not to sign a pre-contract under the seat.
The truth, as is often the case, travels on a quieter track. And at this turn it leads straight to a name that many had dismissed, perhaps too quickly.
Roma, Ranieri ha scelto: Pioli può essere il nuovo allenatore
Over the past few days, according to rumors gathered by the editorial staff of Serieanews.com, a name that reappeared more and more often in internal discourse has been gaining momentum. A name that started from a more defiladed position than others, such as Gasperini’s, and instead has been able to scramble away from the spotlight.
We are talking about Stefano Pioli. Yes, that’s him. The coach who brought the Scudetto back to Milan after eleven years. The man of “work, humility, sacrifice”-which for many had already said it all. But no.
Roma, Ranieri ha scelto: Pioli può essere il nuovo allenatore (AnsaFoto) – serieanews.com
His stint in Saudi Arabia did not go as hoped. An adventure that began with enthusiasm but turned out to be more bitter than stimulating. Complex environment, rhythms far from his world, nebulous prospects. An experience that left him with an enormous desire to return to Italy. To return to engrave.
That is why, as Ranieri began to think about who to entrust with the Giallorossi’s future, Pioli’s name began to climb the hierarchy. On tiptoe, but firmly.
Those who think it had all been decided for weeks were very wrong. Because an attempt for Gasperini has been there, and how. A fascinating profile, capable of shaping ambitious and courageous teams. But also an edgy character, a philosophy difficult to reconcile with certain environments.
And so Pioli, with his ability to adapt, his reassuring profile and that tricolor medal on his chest, ended up overtaking everyone. Quietly, but sharply. Today all that is missing is the announcement, which will come later-when the season is over and the spotlight shines elsewhere. But the reservations, by now, are dissolved: in all likelihood he will be Roma’s new coach.
This article Altro che Ten Hag alla Roma, Ranieri ha scelto: arriva uno scudettato – EXCLUSIVE appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.
