Ranieri: Roma Played a Fantastic Game in a Very Difficult Situation

AS Roma head coach Claudio Ranieri shared his thoughts on his team's elimination from the UEFA Europa League after a 3-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the second leg.

The Italians were reduced to ten men early on after a red card for Mats Hummels, conceding three goals and ultimately bowing out of the competition.

"It was a clear and correct red card. Hummels wasted time; he should have passed the ball but didn't. These things happen. He is a great champion, but mistakes are part of the game. Despite this, I want to congratulate my team because the players remained united in difficult moments and fought with everything they had."

"It's frustrating because we felt good, and we were confident that we could deliver a strong performance. Situations like this can turn out differently, but I can't fault my players for anything. They played a fantastic match under extremely tough circumstances."

"Our goal is to give our absolute best every time. We remain on the same level as the top teams, and we will do everything to push Roma as high as possible. I said this when I arrived in November, and I continue to repeat it: I never give up. I always demand the best from myself and expect the same from my players," Ranieri said.

2024-25 UEFA Europa League

Athletic Bilbao - AS Roma 3-1 (1-0)
Goals: Nico Williams, 45+3 (1-0); Yuri Berchiche, 68 (2-0); Nico Williams, 82 (3-0); Leandro Paredes, 90+3 (penalty) (3-1)