Claudio Ranieri has revealed that Roma ‘cannot compete’ with the elite European sides despite taking a consultant role in the Italian capital.
What Did Claudio Ranieri Say About Roma?
The veteran soccer manager took the reins in Rome on a temporary basis in November 2024, managing 36 matches before leaving his post in June 2025 as the Giallorossi appointed Gian Piero Gasperini.
Ranieri guided his side to 22 wins, seven draws and seven losses, finishing fifth in Serie A – just one point away from qualifying for the Champions League.
Roma managed to earn a spot in the Europa League and will look to improve on their round of 16 exit from last season – losing to Athletic Club across two legs.
Ranieri stepped away from the management role, ending his third spell with Roma, managing 132 matches over the trio of tenures and now acts as a consultant to the Friedkins.
Despite this, the 73-year-old revealed that Roma are not ready to compete in the Champions League and believes it was a blessing that the Italian side missed out on qualification last season.
Ranieri said: “I am a consultant to the Friedkins and I hope to do my job well. Gasperini has an important job, but slowly everything will fall into place. I didn’t expect this ending to my coaching career, especially as I arrived at Roma during a difficult moment. Thanks to the support and help of everyone, we managed to get things back on track.
“There are no regrets about missing out on the Champions League spot, I don’t want to be like the fox that can’t reach the grapes and then says they are bitter.
“Perhaps it was best it went this way. Facing all those superpowers in the Champions League, we are not ready right now. Hopefully, in a few years, we will be at the same level as those clubs.”
Gian Piero Gasperini will begin his spell as Roma boss with a home clash against Bologna and will be hoping for some summer additions beforehand.
Roma are joining Juventus in the race to sign wantaway Tottenham star, Yves Bissouma, as Gasperini aims to add some quality to Roma’s midfield.
Rainieri will play a part in any signings for Roma this summer and this is down to the veteran’s new role – which he chose over the chance to manage the Italian national side.
Why Did Ranieri Turn Down Italy Manager Role?
Ranieri was one of the favourites to become the next Italian national team manager on the best betting apps following Luciano Spalletti’s dismissal, but decided to turn the opportunity down.
Instead, former AC Milan and Azzurri star, Gennaro Gattuso, was appointed as the next man to take the job and enters his ninth role as a senior team manager after starting his coaching career in 2013.
Gattuso’s latest spell as a manger came in Croatia, taking the reins at Hajduk Split between July 2024 to June 2025, where he finished third in the HNL.
The 47-year-old has managed multiplied teams in Italy including AC Milan, Napoli, Palermo and Pisa, winning Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2019/20.
Ranieri opened up about why he had to decline the Azzurri job and believes Gattuso has the qualities to bring success back to the nation.
Ranieri said: “I think it hurts anyone to say no to the Nazionale, but I cannot do two jobs. I had a contract with Roma already and, unfortunately, I was unable to accept what the Federation had proposed.
“Gattuso has always tried to do well when he has been given the chance. He is someone who knows the Nazionale, fought hard, suffered for this team. I wish him all the best.”
