El Shaarawy on what Ranieri has changed: 'We work hard in the defense, he has given us compactness'
Roma are now well in with a chance of finishing fourth and getting Champions League, despite having underperformed under Eusebio di Francesco. They are just one point off fourth-placed AC Milan.
El Shaarawy was talking to Sky Sports recently and he was asked about Claudio Ranieri and how he has improved the side.
He said: "What does he ask us? Great work in both phases, especially the defensive one. Lately I play a little bit behind, he is giving us compactness: he is a wise and pragmatic technician, we have seen his work in the last games."
On the top four race, he said: "Six to seven teams in battle is something unexpected but not too much, many have shown that they can compete right away. Merits and demerits: the topmost teams have lost several points, allowing the others to remain engaged. Exciting and balanced championship, now the physical form counts a lot but also the mental aspect and above all the experience."