First outing of the season with captain’s armband for Andrea Ranocchia, who at the end of the match won 6-1 against Trentino Team granted an interview to journalists present in the mixed zone. Here are his words collected by our partner FcInterNews.it:
Does the shirt weigh more with the captain’s armband?
“Not really, I’d say that there is more responsibility, but I’m ready. I’m glad that the club and the coach count on me to continue what Zanetti has done, I shall honor the shirt as I always have. Hopefully we’ll be able to reach great achievements”
Is one year of working with Mazzarri’s level of defensive gear a reassuring basis from which to start? What effect did last year have?
“Surely, the coach is among the best in Italy and in Europe with regard to the three-man defense. Of course there are things to put in place, but the group is positive. Now we are waiting for the other players to arrive from their national teams but the base is there and we are working well.”
Have you ever thought how it would have changed your career if you had accepted the courtship of Conte?
“No, I never thought about that, I bought into this project in full and I always thought of being here and win with this shirt.”
But were you surprised by his resignation?
“It surprised everyone a little, they had left for training camp and I don’t know why it happened. But we focus on ourselves, or rather it should spur us on to do better.”
FcIN: What did you think of the new signings?
“M’Vila has to work, get through the workloads. Still I have seen that they are integrating well with the group. Dodò has committed much, he will be helpful.”
You have inherited the number from Materazzi and the armband from Zanetti: Do you feel predestined?
“I’m happy. When Marco left he offered me his number… I don’t know if I’m predestined, I have always believed in these colors and I want to lift a cup now because now they have decided to focus on me as a captain.”
Will you personalize the armband like Zanetti?
“I haven’t thought about it, that is one more thing… But what counts is the attitude, the responsibility that entails”
Could Juan be your assistant?
“He is very attached to these colors, he will become one of the best defenders in the world and will also be useful for Brazil.”
Where do you feel most comfortable on the pitch, in the middle or to the right? Is the workload heavier now or last year?
“I feel good on both sides, in the last 10-12 games last year I played a little on both sides, if I’m okay physically I can fit in anywhere. Regarding the workload, I have to say that we have diluted this year to get ready for the States, because shortly we will have a crucial match.”
Source: fcinternews.it
