Ranieri: “Let’s take the positives and improve our focus”

Claudio Ranieri is keen to turn the page after a week in which Sampdoria produced two decent displays against Inter and Roma but ultimately had nothing to show for it.

Speaking ahead of the Blucerchiati’s first home match since the league resumed – against Bologna on Sunday evening – the coach said: “The good thing about playing every three days is there’s no time to reflect on the last game as you have to immediately focus on the next one.

“We need results and we know that but I’m optimistic because our fitness levels are good, we’re pressing well, passing well and we’re creating chances. We scored against both Inter and Roma but we conceded two as well so we must be more focused defensively.”

The Blucerchiati have been doing a lot of tactical work on the training ground in recent weeks and the boss feels it is bearing fruit.

“I’m happy with the 4-5-1 formation we used against Roma, but I wasn’t unhappy with the 3-5-2 we started with in Milan either. We must be capable of using lots of different systems.”

Ranieri also brushed off the suggestion that the game against Bologna is especially decisive for his team.

“They’re all decisive because they all make up our Serie A campaign. It’s not just this game.

“It’s going to be tough because Bologna are a well-drilled side who keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team.”