SILVA’S IN QUEST FOR A STRIKER
JOSE MOURINHO was the first person to welcome Claudio Ranieri back to English football, according to the Fulham manager.
But the man Ranieri calls his “friendly friend” has not always been so polite, branding the Italian “a loser” in 2004 and “too old” in 2008.
They meet tomorrow afternoon when Fulham visit Manchester United and the atmosphere should be cordial.
“He’s fantastic,” said Ranieri (above). “He was the first who sent me a message to say welcome back and he is a very friendly friend.”
“He’s a great man, coach and manager. I know him for a long time when he came to Chelsea and Italy and he was very polite with me.”
Really? In 2004 after replacing the Italian at Chelsea, Mourinho said Ranieri “was considered a loser” at the Bridge.
Four years later, when Mourinho was at Inter, he said Juventus boss Ranieri, then 56, was, “Almost 70. He is too old to change his mentality.” MARCO SILVA defended Everton’s misfiring forwards as he admitted finding a prolific striker is a challenge.
The Toffees have scored just twice in their last four games – the 1-0 win over Cardiff and Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle. But they failed to net against Liverpool and also drew a blank when they faced Chelsea last month.
However, Silva (left) said: “We played one game at Stamford Bridge, it’s not easy for any strikers to score there. We played one game at Anfield as well, they’ve only conceded one goal at home (in the league).”
Silva added: “How many clubs are trying to find one striker who can score more than 20 or 25 goals? I think it is a question for all the managers in the Premier League.
“We are doing our homework.”