Nantes coach Ranieri plots downfall of Paris SG

PARIS: Claudio Ranieri (pic), the wily Italian who masterminded Leicester’s remarkable English Premier League triumph, hopes to spring another surprise when his Nantes side visit French leaders Paris St Germain today.

Since his arrival at Nantes in June, Ranieri has built on the club’s strong second half of last season under then-coach Sergio Conceicao to guide them to within two points of the Champions League spots.

Nantes have picked up 23 points from a possible 30 following back-toback defeats to start the campaign, and Ranieri is fairly relaxed ahead of the trip to the Parc des Princes.

“I’m going to take two buses,” quipped Ranieri, as he mused how to stop a PSG attack that has plundered 39 goals in 12 matches.

“I know what’s going to happen Saturday night. I want to see my team calm and really determined to play well. As for the result? I know we could lose,” he said.

“I always have a precise idea (of how to play) against an opponent. The idea is always fantastic, but the reality is a bit different!

“Paris are going to win the championship. They’ve grown into a great team which is getting better all the time,” he added.

Brazilian superstar Neymar returns to domestic duty after a tumultuous fortnight with Brazil, cutting a fragile figure in the press conference that followed a 3-1 win over Japan in Lille last Friday.

Though Neymar has scored 11 goals in 12 games since his world-record move to PSG from Barcelona, recent weeks have yielded stories of rifts with his teammates and disagreements with coach Unai Emery.

Brazil coach Tite spoke out in Neymar’s defence last week as the striker wiped away tears, while Emery insisted there were no issues between himself and the player.

“None of these rumours are important. What counts are the discussions I have with him. We’re very happy with him, he will triumph here,” said Emery, whose side lead defending champions Monaco by four points.

“It’s the same for all the players who change clubs, coaches, teammates and cities. The adaptation process takes time,” added the Spaniard.

“His teammates, the staff and the club must do everything to help this process. He’s getting better and better. It’s what happens on the pitch that’s most important. When the team gets results, things are good and everyone feels better.” — AFP