The 64-year-old currently tops the Premier League, but he remains steadfast in his belief that his only goal this campaign is to secure safety for the Blues
While many suggested his career was all but over after being sacked by Greece, Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri believes his success with the Blues is proof he still has a lot to offer the game.
The 64-year-old was dismissed by the Greek national team last November after a string of disappointing results, leaving the Italian looking for a job.
He was afforded another chance when Leicester came calling over the summer, and the Italian has certainly made the most of it, as the Foxes have stunned everyone to sit atop the Premier League with 28 points from their first 13 matches.
While Ranieri continues to suggest his only goal is to secure safety in the top flight, he admits his great start with the Blues shows he isn’t the washed-up tactician everyone took him for after being sacked by Greece 12 months ago.
Safe to say your goal with Leicester City isn’t just finishing with 40 points.
“I’ll say it again though. We must first reach 40 points, then we’ll see from there. I must keep my feet on the ground.”
You only need 12 points to reach that goal. Given there are still 25 matches to play, you will reach that goal rather quickly.
“The tough times are coming though. We have a difficult run of games from now until New Years Day. We must play against Manchster United, Swansea, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester City.”
You will play Manchester United on Saturday in a battle between the two top teams. It is also Ranieri v Louis van Gaal.
“It will be a great match. Manchester United are a world giant and Van Gaal is one of the best coaches around.”
From February 18, 1999 to February 27, 1999 your Valencia faced his Barcelona three times, and you won every time.
“I remember that well. On the 18th we won 3-2 in Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. On the 24th we won 4-3 in the return leg and on the 27th we won 4-2 in La Liga. At the end of the season we won the Copa del Rey by defeating Atletico Madrid 3-0.”
Your team scored 11 goals compared to Van Gaal’s seven. You taught him a lesson.
“I had a great team. Claudio Lopez was unstoppable. We also had Gaizka Mendieta, Amedeo Carboni and Adrian Ilie.”
Today you’re coaching players like Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and Kasper Schmeichel.
“Vardi is like the Moreno Torricelli of England. Three years ago he was playing in the amateur league. He is the symbol of this team because of how he plays. He scores, he attacks the open space, he is the first to press and he never gives up.’
He received a standing ovation because of his performance at Newcastle.
“He deserved it after scoring in his tenth match in a row, but I also wanted to take him off in order to rest him. He had some problems during the week.”
What has this time with Leicester City meant to you?
“I feel as though I’m reliving my time with Cagliari, Fiorentina and Valencia. We’re working on a project. The club have asked me to lay a foundation for the future.”
Is that all?
“Well, I’m showing I’m not finished like many people thought after failing with Greece. It looks as though the situation hasn’t improved since I left.”
Your experience with Inter in Italy didn’t go well either.
“I’m the only coach over the past few years that had his best players sold while at Inter.”
It must feel good to look down on Jose Mourinho in the standings.
“I read that he believes Chelsea’s chances of repeating as champions is like Mission Impossible. However I believe he’ll finish in the top four.”
Liverpool defeated Chelsea and Manchester City away from home. Is Jurgen Klopp working his magic?
“You can see the work he is capable of. Liverpool have quickly taken to his ideas.”
Inter, Napoli, Fiorentina and Roma are all in the fight for the Scudetto.
“Aside from Roma, I hope that one of Napoli or Fiorentina win. Napoli were already strong but they’ve found a great coach in Maurizio Sarri.”
Adapted from interview by Stefano Boldrini of La Gazzetta dello Sport
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