FIGHTER RANIERI WANTS TEAM LOVE
position is in jeopardy – and Ranieri has done little but fan the flames by admitting that if his squad want a new boss, they should ask for change. He said: “If the players don’t believe in me anymore, they must go to the chairman and ask for change. But I think we are still together.” Ranieri (left) was crowned FIFA World Coach of the Year just three months ago, and it is understood that is his job safe – for now. Crucially, he retains the backing of senior figures at the King Power Stadium. And that could prove decisive in the coming weeks as the Foxes begin their fight to remain in the Premier League.
But director of football Jon Rudkin – who reports into the board of directors – is understood to be standing squarely behind the Italian.
The board is made up of Leicester’s Thai owners – along with club chief executive Susan Whelan, who will also have input into Ranieri’s future.
Rudkin backed former boss Nigel Pearson two years ago when Leicester’s cause appeared hopeless as they lay rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. And that is one of the key reasons why the Foxes’ hierarchy is unwilling to pull the trigger.
Ranieri was more flustered than usual when he appeared for his pre-match briefing but retained his belief that his squad can fight their way clear, starting against Manchester United today.
He said: “Am I under more pressure? Yes, yes, of course. But if I manage a big team or I manage a little team, what I can bring is the same.
“I am a fighter, a positive man and I want to give my positivity to the players who believe – and these players believe we can do something
“Last season everything was right. Everything they did was gold. Touch the ball, long ball, shoot, goal.
“This season everything until now is wrong. The difference is confidence.
“When you are at the top you are under pressure to win, but also you are confident.
“When you are down you want to win but maybe you are losing your confidence.”
Ranieri added: “We are winners. We are fighters – and fighters never lose.”