"It's not true that Pep was successful just because he had Messi"

Italian manager Claudio Ranieri offered a few statements to 'La Gazzetta dello Sport' in which he reviewed the current events in European football, having told Sampdoria that he would not be staying on as manager for next season. 

In addition, Ranieri had time to talk about his old club Leicester which he managed between 2015 and 2017, a time in which he won them their infamous Premier League trophy. "It makes me so proud to see Kante, Chilwell and Mahrez playing at this high level. I remember Riyad especially, who I made into a winger from a midfielder. I believed in them when they were still so young, which is why it makes me laugh when people tell me that I don't appreciate young talent".

Furthermore, the 69-year-old reflected on Manchester City's defeat in the Champions League final against Chelsea under the guidance of Pep Guardiola: "Guardiola is still a reference point for so many coaches, and his football has changed with the times, becoming much more vertical".

"The difference between winning or losing is a matter of details. It's not true that he was sucessful in the past just because he had a player with the phenomenal talent of Leo Messi. I'm convinced that, sooner or later, he will come to coach in Italy."

Regarding Tuchel, Ranieri concluded: "His work has been excellent, especially getting the most out of compatriots Havertz and Werner, two players in which the club invested a lot of money".