Premier League

Leicester appoint Ranieri as first team manager

Ranieri has agreed a three-year contract at King Power Stadium to begin his second spell of Premier League management, following a successful four years at Chelsea between 2000 and 2004.

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Ranieri

Leicester City have named Claudio Ranieri as their new manager. The Italian makes a surprise return to the Premier League after emerging as the preferred choice of the club’s Thai owners to replace the sacked Nigel Pearson.

After Pearson’s dismissal last month, following a breakdown in his relationship with Leicester’s owners, the club had been linked with a host of high-profile replacements including Martin O’Neill and Guus Hiddink. O’Neill was believed to be close to agreeing to return to his old club over the weekend, but issues regarding his exit from his current role as Republic of Ireland manager scuppered that deal. Ranieri then became Leicester’s top target and his return to the Premier League was quickly rubber-stamped.

A vastly experienced tactician renowned for his methodical approach and entertaining style of play, Claudio’s near 30-year coaching career has included spells in charge of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
In addition to Chelsea, the popular Roman can count Inter Milan, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Roma among his former employers.
“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.”

Ranieri hasn’t worked in English football since 2004, when he was sacked by Chelsea, and was also dismissed from his last job as Greece coach last year.