LEICESTER CITY HAVE named Claudio Ranieri as their new manager, ending speculation that Martin O’Neill is set to leave Ireland.
The Premier League club have been on the look-out for a new boss since Nigel Pearson’s departure in June. Pearson guided the Foxes to safety in England’s top flight last season but was sacked over “fundamental differences in perspective” with Thai billionaire owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
Last week, Ireland manager Martin O’Neill emerged as a leading candidate for the post. The Derryman is a hugely-popular figure at the club since winning two League Cups there in the late 90s.
However, Italian Ranieri has been today handed the role on a three-year deal. The 63-year-old is vastly-experienced in the game, having managed the likes of Juventus, Roma, Inter Milan, Valencia and Monaco.
Nicknamed ‘The Tinkerman’, Ranieri was in charge of Chelsea when Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. The Blues finished runners-up to Arsenal and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League that season, before he was replaced by Jose Mourinho.
Most recently, he managed the Greek national team.
“I’m so glad to be here in a Club with such a great tradition as Leicester City,” Ranieri said. “I have worked at many great clubs, in many top leagues, but since I left Chelsea I have dreamt of another chance to work in the best league in the world again.
“I wish to thank the owner, his son and all the executives of the Club for the opportunity they are giving me. Now I’ve only one way for returning their trust: squeeze all my energies to getting the best results for the team.”
Leiceser face Sunderland at home on the opening day of the season.
Well seeing as they last won the english leauge some 28 years ago and have a tendency to sell there best strikers, why wouldn’t I think that,
@Jonathan Byrne:
I have never seen so much hype about a team who have won nothing ,are 20 points off winning their league, have again sold their best player mid season , and who all other teams in the last 4 of a cup competition wanted desperately to draw. No league title for nearly 30 years and just one 1 trophy in ten years same as the likes of Wigan. Am i missing something ??
@Joe O’riordan: missing nothing absolutely spot on
@Joe O’riordan: Missing something? Don’t think so, unless its your MU jersey and scarf.
@Joe O’riordan: Coutinho their best player? Liverpool are better without him
@Joe O’riordan: Liverpool didn’t sell Salah mid season?
Who knows next year might be there year they win the premier league…….. Pfffft. Salah will playing for real Madrid next aswell.
@Jonathan Byrne: best of luck with that
@Jonathan Byrne: haha nice try, at least the pool have a player that Real or Barca would want!
@Jonathan Byrne: Jeez those grapes are very sour…
@Jonathan Byrne: “Somebody please give me attention” – The Comment
@seancreaven13: I’m just laying down some facts, fair play to getting to the semis of the champions leauge this year, but I don’t think its sour grapes if what I say is true.
But but but didn’t they win the finishing above Utd trophy last year !!!
@powerfix: doesn’t carry the same prestige anymore.
@Mick Power: ou snap!
@Mick Power: aah you know it does Mick
@Carl Johnson: ou Marcus!
Well what seems to be emerging now is defending is much better, there was no evidence until now. If they can keep best players, add GK/defensive cover and with Keita coming in they will make PL challenge. I was surprised MU slipped yesterday, it seems they struggle more than LFC in breaking defensives down. With JM near 3 years he has to challenge next year but somehow I don’t see it. Yes they defend well but have ordinary attack.
For me the top 3 teams next year will be MC, Tot & LFC. MU should be there but JM would need dynamic players and changes his approach. I don’t see that happening. If they back him in transfer market he’ll get a final go using his methods. While he maintains its not that long ago he won PL I think football is now being dominated by more attacking dynamic teams.
@Nick Leone: so coming to the end of your second season is near 3 years ???? Pass the dutchie round will ya