Claudio Ranieri claims he has never re-watched Leicester's stunning title win or their jubilant celebrations
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Claudio Ranieri has claimed he has never re-watched any film of Leicester's title win or the celebrations.
The Italian took the Foxes to the Premier League title in 2016 but was sacked in Febuary. Ranieri, now 65, took over at French club Nantes in June.
But he said he is never allowed to forget the miracle of Leicester's title triumph.
“I realise it because I am recognised a lot more – people everywhere from Japan to New Zealand have congratulated me,” Ranieri claimed. “It really pleases me. But me, I don't think about it. I have never watched images of the title win or the party.”
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Michael Regan)
Asked if thought he had been sacked by his players, the Italian told L'Equipe: “No, by results. I don't believe this story. And even if it were true, it would not be my problem, it would be the player's problem. If they did that, and I don't believe it, it is a problem for them, because me, when I had a problem with a coach, I would go and speak to his face. At Leicester, no-one ever came to tell me anything.”
After losing his first two games back in Ligue 1, the former Monaco coach has seen Nantes go unbeaten in six games – including four straight wins – to climb up to fourth place.
(Image: Shaun Botterill)
“For me, it important to have a job,” he said. “I have offers from England but I chose to come to France. I think that after Leicester, the best thing was to make a break from the Premier League and change country. The big clubs did not change coach, everyone stayed. It is not as if there were four changes and I was left out.”
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Ranieri has tightened up the defence with Nantes conceding only one goal in the last six games. “The president hired an Italian – he knew what to expect!” he joked. “I am joking. I try to make do with the players I have. At Monaco, we attacked, we scored lots of goals, because I had that type of player. Here, I have other players so I do what is right for the team.
“I always say: 'First of all, let's close the front door. If you do not close the door, burglars will come in and steal everything. Once it is shut, you can decorate and organise as you wish'.”