Raneri told Shomurodov what he couldn't score a goal!
Claudio Ranieri, who has returned to the coaching chair to save "Roma" from crisis, is proving in practice that he is a high-level specialist.
The club legend Daniele De Rossi, who took over a team that could not rise above sixth place during Jose Mourinho's era, and Ivan Juric, who stood out with his successful performance in Serie A, were also unable to set things right for "Roma".
During the last two coaching periods, the "wolves" had come close to the outsiders in the competition table this season. The team's chances of advancing from the group stage of the Europa League were being rated very low. Worst of all, the players had lost confidence in themselves and each other.
With Claudio Ranieri taking over the capital team, he has revitalized the internal environment. He gave several players, who were previously sidelined, the opportunity to show themselves. As a result, internal competition has re-emerged in "Roma". Players like Matias Sule, Eldor Shomurodov, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Mats Hummels have started to shine again.
What is significant for us is that the captain and top scorer of the Uzbekistan national team, Eldor Shomurodov, has transformed from an unnecessary player to a hero at "Roma". Our 29-year-old forward is not only able to replace Artem Dovbik but is also showing that he can compete with the valuable striker.
Since Claudio Ranieri's arrival, Eldor Shomurodov's playing time has increased significantly. Our legionnaire has started several matches in the starting lineup. Eldor has demonstrated that in certain aspects, particularly in enhancing the team's attacking play and collaborating with leading players like Paulo Dybala and Matias Sule, he is superior to his competitor Artem Dovbik.
Eldor's only shortcoming seems to be that he is not scoring many goals. However, our compatriot's other strengths are compensating for this shortcoming. Head coach Claudio Ranieri, his staff, the players in the team, and even the fans are accepting this correctly.
In particular, after the match against "Empoli", journalists asked head coach Claudio Ranieri for his thoughts on the Uzbek footballer's missed two easy chances. The 73-year-old specialist responded as follows.
- Shomurodov is a wonderful guy. He was upset for not scoring. I explained to him that the most important thing is to appear at the right time and in the right place. Goals are just something that happens. Eldor has determined the outcome of several matches for us.
I told Shomurodov that I am older than him, and asked him not to keep me under pressure throughout the match, as at this age, I am not easily excited, - said Claudio Ranieri.
Now the Romans are preparing for the match in the Europa League. Ranieri's pupils will be guests of "Athletic Bilbao" on March 13 in the quarter-final return match. The match will start at 23:45 Tashkent time.
Let me remind you that in the first encounter, Eldor Shomurodov's last-minute goal secured "Roma's" 2:1 lead.
Eldor Shomurodov has played in 25 matches this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
