epa11952051 Roma’s coach Claudio Ranieri looks on during the Italian Serie A soccer match Empoli FC vs AS Roma at Carlo Castellani Stadium in Empoli, Italy, 09 March 2025. EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI
Roma coach Claudio Ranieri insists his side won’t settle for a draw against Athletic Club in the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie, urging the Giallorossi to play ‘without fear’ against an opponent that he expects to ‘push much harder’ than a week ago.
A 2-1 victory at the Stadio Olimpico in the first leg gives Roma a slight edge, but the Italian coach warned his players that the Spanish side will ‘put pressure’ on them and look to make the most of their fans’ support in a ‘heated atmosphere’.
The Giallorossi have lost only two of their 16 games across all competitions in 2025, but Ranieri emphasized that he asks his players to ‘erase everything’ and keep their focus solely on the next match.
Ranieri: Athletic Club will ‘push much harder’, but Roma ‘aware’ of their strengths
“I say that we must play our game against a strong, compact, and tough team,” Ranieri said during a pre-match press conference, as reported by TMW.
“Will a draw be enough for us? We will play our match the way we know how. We are aware of our strengths and weaknesses.
“Tomorrow, we will attack with 11 players and defend with 11. What we need to do is try to hide our weaknesses.
“I believe that within a single match, there are many different games. Tomorrow night, Bilbao will push much harder. We need to play our game without fear.”
Can a win against Athletic Club help Roma maintain momentum for the final stretch of the season?
“We will only know by experiencing it,” he continued.
“I ask the players to erase everything, whether we win or lose. Once tomorrow’s match is over, I already have the video analysis of the game against Cagliari.
“I am focused on this match and ask the team to do the same. I know tomorrow is a big game, and Sunday will be another big game. My job is to get the maximum out of myself and the team.”
What kind of atmosphere should Roma expect at San Mames?
“They are passionate, a fair, united, and honest people,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.
“They are true gentlemen. I hope tomorrow there will be a heated atmosphere, but without clashes between fans because a football match should remain just that—a football match.
“In terms of characteristics, they are a bit different from other Spanish teams. They play directly towards the goal, which I like.
“They will put pressure on us, driven by their fans, but we must play our game without thinking about the result because we are building a team and shaping a mentality. We must step onto the pitch without fear and play our game.”
Dybala spoke in the same press conference before his coach, confirming Ranieri has helped him become a reference point for the Giallorossi locker room.
“He is not just a charismatic or technical leader,” Ranieri concluded.
“Every leader feels involved in the well-being of the team. I am fortunate to have leaders who are fully engaged in the team’s destiny. Everything they do is for the good of the team.”
