“We have to make the fans proud.”

Roma coach Claudio Ranieri previewed Monday’s game against Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico.

After Roma’s 2-2 draw against Spurs in the Europa League, Ranieri sat down to discuss the next Serie A matchday.

“Atalanta is the pride of us Italians, it plays wonderfully.”

“We are facing the third team in the league, a team that has the philosophy of attack, a perfect team. We have to make the fans proud.”

“I want to see a good game on Monday. At the last home game the fans left early, now I want them to stay like they did in London.”

“Atalanta can easily eat you up. I will try to get our players to stand up to them and make the fans proud.”

“We have to make our fans fall in love again. They are great. The fans understand when you don’t give your best.”

“Saelemaekers? He really enjoys playing high up in the left-centre position, but he told me he’s good on the other side too. He’s a new player, he hasn’t played 90 minutes yet.”

“The Atalanta should be taken as a role model. We have to get players back up to speed, then we have to satisfy the new coach according to his decisions. But Rome wasn’t created in one night.”

“I try to do my best with the players I have. I try to put almost everyone in the best place, I have to ask someone for an extra push.”

“After I left in 2019, those who came after me were no better off,” he added. “We have to be patient and trust our work.”

“Pellegrini needs to regain his confidence and start again. Along with Lampard, he is one of the highest-scoring midfielders I have ever had.”

“Let me be clear: Mancini, Cristante and Pellegrini were criticized for sacking De Rossi. But that’s not true. On the contrary, they fought for him to stay.”

“I force my players to only play forward. I want us to score goals, that’s why I loved the game against Tottenham.”