‘I said: Claudio Ranieri shares what he went and told Postecoglou right after Tottenham’s draw with Roma

Claudio Ranieri’s AS Roma battled hard to earn a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in their Europa League encounter. Spurs entered the game riding high on confidence after their stunning victory over Manchester City in the Premier League, a performance that left fans expecting another commanding display.

Yet, despite their momentum and home advantage, Tottenham failed to secure the three points, allowing Roma to snatch a late equalizer in stoppage time.

For AS Roma, the season has been anything but smooth. The Italian club has endured a chaotic campaign, having already gone through two managerial changes. Claudio Ranieri, the seasoned 73-year-old tactician, is now at the helm, tasked with steadying the ship and reigniting their fortunes.

Against Tottenham, Ranieri’s experience and resilience were evident as he led his team to a hard-fought result. Although Spurs were the dominant side for much of the game, Roma’s persistence and tactical discipline paid off in the dying moments.

Ranieri’s admiration for Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was clear at the final whistle. Postecoglou, still in his first major European managerial role, has been earning plaudits for transforming Spurs with his attacking philosophy and high-energy play.

The mutual respect between the two managers was evident when Ranieri embraced Postecoglou at the end of the match, sharing a few heartfelt words. Later, Ranieri revealed that he had complimented the Australian’s work and the style of football he has instilled in his team.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Ranieri remarked on the quality of Tottenham’s play, praising their intent to win and noting how their approach excites fans. He emphasized that Roma’s perseverance and belief in securing a result mirrored the effort and spirit he expects from his players.

Ranieri also spoke to Italian media about his admiration for Postecoglou’s approach, describing Tottenham as a team that embodies passion and ambition. He acknowledged that his side faced a formidable opponent but expressed pride in Roma’s determination, which ultimately led to Mats Hummels’ stoppage-time equalizer.

The goal highlighted Roma’s refusal to surrender, even in challenging circumstances, and validated the efforts of a team still searching for consistency under their new manager.

For Tottenham, the game was another frustrating example of failing to capitalize on dominance. The match statistics painted a clear picture of their struggles in front of goal. Despite creating five big chances, Spurs managed to convert only two, leaving the door open for Roma to claw their way back.

Tottenham’s xG (expected goals) of 3.74 underscored the opportunities they had to put the game beyond doubt. Yet, their inability to finish clinically remains a recurring issue this season, undermining the excellent work done in midfield and attack.

Fraser Forster, Tottenham’s goalkeeper, played a pivotal role in keeping the scoreline respectable for much of the match. His heroics, including several outstanding saves, prevented Roma from taking an early lead and kept Spurs in control for large parts of the game.

However, defensive lapses and missed chances on the other end proved costly. Tottenham’s wastefulness in front of goal continues to be their Achilles’ heel, a problem that has surfaced repeatedly throughout the campaign.

Brennan Johnson’s performance offered glimpses of his growing influence under Postecoglou. The young attacker added Tottenham’s second goal with a composed finish and caused problems for Roma’s defense with his pace and movement.

However, as with many of his teammates, moments of brilliance were offset by missed opportunities. Johnson, like the rest of the squad, will need to sharpen his decision-making and finishing to help Tottenham fulfill their ambitions.

Postecoglou has made significant strides since taking over at Tottenham, implementing a fluid, attack-minded style that has reinvigorated the team and delighted fans. Yet, the Australian manager will recognize that to achieve long-term success, his side must develop a more ruthless edge. Scoring goals consistently and converting chances will be crucial as the season progresses, particularly in high-stakes matches like this one.

The draw against Roma leaves Tottenham with work to do in the Europa League. Currently sitting ninth in the standings, they must win their remaining group-stage games to avoid the complications of a play-off match. With fixtures against Rangers, Hoffenheim, and Elfsborg on the horizon, Spurs have little room for error. These games will serve as a litmus test for their ability to handle pressure and deliver results when it matters most.

Tottenham’s Premier League campaign, however, offers a brighter outlook. Their recent 4-0 demolition of Manchester City showcased the potential of Postecoglou’s system and the squad’s ability to execute it against elite opposition.

Currently just three points behind Arsenal and Chelsea in the table, Tottenham remains well-positioned to contend for a top-four finish. Consistency in performance and a more clinical approach in front of goal could see them secure Champions League football for next season.

While the draw against Roma felt like a missed opportunity, it also highlighted key areas for improvement. For Postecoglou and his players, the focus will now shift to addressing those shortcomings and building on the progress they have made.

With a demanding schedule ahead, including crucial matches in both domestic and European competitions, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of their season. Tottenham’s potential is clear, but realizing it will require a combination of discipline, resilience, and a killer instinct in front of goal.