Pragmatic Ranieri vows to jolt Roma into action

New AS Roma coach Claudio Ranieri on Wednesday vowed to ditch the club's attractive style of play for a more results-based system. Ranieri was speaking at his official unveiling after replacing Luciano Spalletti, who resigned from his post on Tuesday.

Roma, who were known for their expansive and attractive style of play under Spalletti, lost their opening two matches of the season and Ranieri insists he will focus on winning games rather than weaving pretty patterns.

"Spalletti's Roma had a sparkling style of play, my philosophy is a little different," said the former Juventus and Chelsea coach.

"I will bring my pragmatism to the team. This team needs a jolt because it's a team that needs to react straight away.

"Maybe the players have lost a bit of conviction. Over the last four years this team did some great things playing some of the most attractive football in Europe.

"As a Roman I was proud to watch them play. And I can tell you I'm going home with a great desire to do well." Ranieri is a local who used to stand on the terraces to watch Roma before beginning his playing career with the club in 1973.

ROME, AFP