Ranieri: ‘Gourna-Douath needs training, Roma fans like clarity’ | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri has given his assessment of new Roma signing Lucas Gourna-Douath, who will make his full debut against Venezia in Serie A on Sunday, and has explained why he was so direct during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Venezia vs. Roma kicks off at 11.30. You can follow the action on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Ranieri on Roma, Gourna-Douath, Hummels and Paredes

Gourna-Douath joined on loan with an option to buy for €18m on the final day of the January transfer window. He was an unused substitute during the 3-1 loss to Milan in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, but is set for his first Giallorossi opportunity against Venezia.

Lucas Gourna-Douath Roma announcement

Speaking about Roma’s new recruits to DAZN ahead of kick-off, Ranieri said: “We saw them and we liked them, otherwise we wouldn’t have gone in for them,” reported via TMW.

“Gourna-Douath is great at ball recovery, he plays simply. He’s not a ready-made player, he needs training, but he can do well for Roma.”

Ranieri was also asked why he was so direct during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

He replied: “Because I am a Roma fan and I believe that Roma fans enjoy clarity. I don’t like to tell lies. We hope that our thoughts will turn out to be excellent ideas.”

There will be no Mats Hummels or Leandro Paredes involved against Venezia, as Ranieri has decided to give them both an extended break.

“It’s what I’ve seen, it’s the eye test because sometimes the data can be deceiving. I couldn’t (rest) Hummels in the Coppa Italia because I had Mancini suspended. Rest is as important as the work we do, I preferred that they switch off and be with their families.”