Ranieri reveals Pellegrini ‘sin’, says ‘table doesn’t count’ in Rome derby | OneFootball

Roma coach Claudio Ranieri admits Lorenzo Pellegrini feels pressure from the fans in Roma home games but insists the table ‘won’t count’ in Sunday’s derby against Lazio.

Roma and Lazio meet at the Stadio Olimpico in the Derby della Capitale on Sunday.

Ranieri said at a pre-match press conference on Friday that all players are available “except Celik, who has a fever.

“It’s a derby, a game in which you feel something more,” the Giallorossi coach continued (via TMW).

“Right now, the table speaks for itself; they [Lazio] are in a fantastic moment. They play quickly, with a few touches, so they are a dangerous team, but the derby is always a different story.”

Lazio are currently in the race for a Champions League spot and enjoy a 15-point lead over their city rivals.

“We’ve experienced other kinds of derbies, but in these games, everything resets,” said Ranieri.

“The table doesn’t count. We’ll play with the usual desire to do well. We are not nervous because it would not be a good motivation. The right motivation comes from the awareness of the opponents’ strength and our desire to win.”

Ranieri has been in charge of Roma for over a month now, what has he learned?

“It made us understand that we are a team and that we managed to regroup,” said Ranieri.

“We have shortcomings, but we are working to eliminate them. I’ve never promised anything to my teams except work, sacrifice, and desire to give our all in every moment.”

Lorenzo Pellegrini hasn’t played at home since October 31 and Ranieri honestly explained the midfielder’s issue.

“It’s just a psychological matter. Technically, I consider him one of the best midfielders in Europe. Every club should keep hold of him,” said the coach.

Ranieri reveals Pellegrini ‘sin’, says ‘table doesn’t count’ in Rome derby

ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 12: Lorenzo Pellegrini celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma, during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between AS Roma and SC Braga at Stadio Olimpico on December 12, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“However, he suffers from this fans thing, so I must consider whether a player can deal with it or is overwhelmed.”

Roma fans have wrongly accused Pellegrini of having had a role in Daniele De Rossi’s sacking and his relationship with the fans has collapsed since.

“Lorenzo puts all problems on his shoulders and this is his sin,” continued Ranieri.

“He should play more naturally, as he was accustomed to doing; that’s the only way he can return to being the player he was, free from all the weight. It’s not easy to play at home and feel the negativity and the responsibility after one or two errors. You saw that I had no problems involving him at San Siro. He came close to scoring a goal. He has the ability to score at the right moment.”

Ranieri’s predecessor, Ivan Juric, had lost the dressing room during his brief spell at the Olimpico, but Ranieri sees a better environment now.

“I believe we are all united, from the owners to the warehouse workers,” he concluded.

“The fans are also doing their part. I’ve always loved Roma, in bad and good moments. The Friedkin have invested a lot of money, and it’s time to give them satisfaction.”