What did Ranieri say about Eldor Shomurodov, who changed the game?

In the 30th round of the Italian Serie A, the Roma players played a very difficult game. The Wolves, who were guests of Lecce on the road, had a lot of difficulty finding their way to the opponent's goal and breaking through the defense line.

Experienced coach Claudio Ranieri made a tactical change about 20 minutes before the end of the game, bringing on the second central striker Eldor Shomurodov. This paid off, and Artem Dovbik, taking advantage of the reduced pressure from the defenders, scored the winning goal.

After the match, Claudio Ranieri also acknowledged Shomurodov's services in his interview about the match.

- Roma missed two good chances at the beginning of the game. Did you believe in victory until the end?
- You always have to fight until the end, it was a very difficult match. After missing two chances, we gave the opponent a chance to threaten our goal. The fight intensified in the second half of the match, but we had to win. We played against a team that was fighting for survival in the league, and therefore we knew that it would be difficult to get points.

- Should we only take into account his efficiency when evaluating Dovbik?
- No, we need to demand more from him and increase his desire. We do this every day and he is working on it. When the ball is passed from inside the field, he becomes a strong striker. And we are not always able to give him such passes.

- Do you look at the top of the table?
- No, I'm looking at my players. I told them that when we look back in the summer, we shouldn't regret anything, that we should do everything we can to show results on the field. They have to fight for every goal. We have eight games ahead of us, and each one will be as difficult as today.

- Is Dovbik's potential gone or are there still undiscovered sides?
- I think he has great potential. He's slowly opening up and he's scored a few goals. He needs to learn to play calmly, but it won't be easy. I told him, "Goals are important to you, but you have to fight for every goal."

- You made it easier for Dovbik by bringing Eldor Shomurodov on the field, and he scored the winning goal...
- Yes, two of the opponent's defenders were constantly guarding Dovbik. Artem began to lose confidence in himself. In this situation, I brought in a player like Shomurodov, who could hold his shoulder and help him. Eldor created all the opportunities for Dovbik to feel that he had received a great help.

- Two months ago, could the team have dreamed of fighting for fourth place?
- When I came to the team, I said that I was here to work. I don't make any promises, I just strive for the goal and I want to see the same from my players. I hope that I will be able to finish my job. I can promise that the new coach who will replace me will be younger than me. Even if we qualify for the European Champions League, this factor will not keep me in the team. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”