Ranieri appointed Italy technical director, vows to reform youth football

Hupu Football News | July 30th

Claudio Ranieri, the newly appointed Technical Director of the Italian national team, attended a press conference.

Opening Remarks from FIGC President Giovanni Malagò

"I believe this stage should belong entirely to Roberto Mancini and Claudio Ranieri. I have resigned from my position, entrusting them with the roles of Technical Director and President of the Italian Football Club. I am very pleased, and I hope they feel the same.

"Considering we have missed three World Cups, we all feel the weight of responsibility. A friend told me today that we haven't participated in a World Cup knockout stage match for 20 years, which is very telling. I hope to bring in another figure before the end of this week to complete the federation's technical organizational structure.

"Under this incredible pressure, there are also positive aspects, and this pressure has been fueled by recent events. Perhaps the yet-to-start league season and the results after the World Cup have exacerbated the situation, but football indeed involves everyone. I am surprised that people from all levels of society and various fields express their opinions. The good side is that we have such a great sport; the less good side is that we are not satisfied with being at the centre of such immense attention."

Q&A with Claudio Ranieri

How did you feel when you received the call? Is this some compensation after your Roma experience?

"This is the pinnacle of my career, an unexpected call that also proves my career has been very rich. I have taken on many difficult tasks in my career, and this will be another one. I have two missions: to make people in football love the sport again, and to ensure that children like my 12-year-old niece can see the national team play in the World Cup."

How long do you hope to complete the reform of Italian football?

"There is still a lot of work to do, and it's hard to set a specific time. Roberto handles things on the pitch, while I handle everything happening outside. In June, someone told me that the cost for a child to play football is too high, and that cannot happen. In this historical period, we cannot let children drift away from football due to other temptations. We must bring them back to football by reducing costs.

"A month ago, someone told me that the youth national teams are doing well, but the difficult part is the final step. We must see how to help the teams so that the national team coach has more players to choose from.

"Abroad, team tactics are not separated as they are here; we must pay more attention to technique and individual tactics. Our young coaches no longer do this because they have to win. It's time to stop this. I don't think a 10 or 12-year-old child's first priority when playing football should be competition and winning; that's not what I want to see."

Among the top six or seven teams in Serie A, Italian players struggle to get playing time. What should be done to allow young players to play for these clubs?

"There are many young players who should have playing opportunities. I remember many years ago, perhaps due to European restrictions, there was Boniek, who was excellent because he only played in European matches. I can't make decisions for clubs, but the national team coach must have options. At any level, coaches have to win, and I can't force them to field a certain player, but I hope all relevant parties can have more Italian players in their teams."

What do you think of the plan proposed by Maldini and Leonardo? Do you accept any of its content?

"I haven't seen it yet because Giovanni called me on Monday evening. But my duty is to study all content and absorb the good parts. I think when Maldini talked about a 10-year plan, some content has already been reflected, because the goal is to nurture children aged 10 to 12 and help them grow.

"Our difference from other countries is that we excel in tactics and teams, while other countries are better in technique. In the past, there were fewer football schools, but children played on the streets and could dribble. Now they don't do that anymore; we must let children unleash their abilities again. Then, at ages 14 to 15, systematic training can begin. I will make this plan known and won't be afraid to push it forward."

Have you ever regretted turning down the national team invitation? Especially after what happened with Roma?

"Every time I make a choice based on my heart, I never regret it, and this time is no different. I couldn't betray the contract of the team I love deeply, nor could I take on a dual role, as that would create too many conflicts of interest."

What does your wife Rosanna think?

"Finally, she doesn't have to move, so she'll be happy (laughs)."

With your extensive experience, will you give Roberto Mancini some advice?

"I was still a coach two years ago. If Roberto wants some advice, I'd be happy to share it. But in this new role, there are many other things I need to consider."

How do you think the cost for children to play football should be reduced?

"I need to understand how to reduce these costs. I don't know the exact cost of a full set of equipment. Let me get all the data first, and then see what I can do. I see children playing on the beach, kicking anything, so we must get them back on the football field."

Source: YouTube

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