Ranieri: “We should be dictating the tempo”

Claudio Ranieri struggled to fathom the manner of Sampdoria’s defeat to Benevento after watching his team let a two-goal lead slip on Saturday night.

“It’s unbelievable that we ended up losing after being 2-0 up,” said the boss. “We conceded a goal from a goalmouth scramble and that encouraged them in the first half. We had some big chances – especially when we hit the post – but they were dictating the game by then. That’s not ok: we should have been in control.”

The coach was clearly upset about the goals his side gave away.

“We conceded from our own keeper’s clearance, which is shocking. And two goals from corners. As I said, if you take the lead you should be dictating the tempo of the game. And if you don’t, you have to think about why that is. We rushed things without thinking properly.

“I need to talk to the lads. We were running like clockwork and it’s not working anymore. In training we look the same as last season but then during the game we become unpredictable. We must follow the instructions we’re given.

“I think Benevento deserved the win. We weren’t able to do what we should have done and not because we lacked determination.”