Ranieri insists survival not sole target after taking over Fulham
CLAUDIO Ranieri has his sights set higher than mere Premier League survival following his return to management at Fulham.
The chairman Shahid Khan announced yesterday morning that Slavisa Jokanovic had been sacked and replaced by Ranieri, who led Leicester to the title in 2016.
The Italian has been given a “multi-year” contract with the hope that a change of manager will spark a boost to lift them off the bottom of the table, after Jokanovic managed just five points from 12 Premier League matches.
It is a disappointing return for a club who were among the Premier League’s highest spenders in the summer, shelling out around £100 million following promotion from via the play-offs.
Jean-Michael Seri, linked with Barcelona, was among the eye-catching arrivals, while World Cup winner Andre Schurrle signed, as well as Aleksandar Mitrovic and Alfie Mawson.
Ranieri believes there is “exceptional talent” in the squad and he is already looking up the table ahead of what will be his first game in charge against fellow strugglers Southampton at Craven Cottage on November 24.
“It is an honour to accept Mr Khan’s invitation to lead Fulham, a fantastic club with tradition and history,” said Ranieri. “The objective at Fulham should never be to merely survive in the Premier League. We must at all times be a difficult opponent and should expect to succeed.
“This Fulham squad has exceptional talent that is contrary to its position in the table.”