LONDON (AFP) - Claudio Ranieri’s brief spell as manager of Premier League strugglers Fulham ended on Thursday (Feb 28) when the Italian was sacked after only four months in charge.
The 67-year-old Italian, who memorably guided Leicester City to the 2016 Premier League title, failed to ignite a Fulham revival after he replaced the sacked Slavisa Jokanovic in November.
He was in charge for just 16 league games but won only three, and Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat to Southampton left them second from bottom, 10 points adrift of safety with 10 matches remaining.
That loss at St Mary’s was the final straw as Fulham’s travelling fans chanted “you don’t know what you’re doing†at Ranieri.
Former Chelsea boss Ranieri had been labelled ‘risk-free’ appointment by Fulham owner Shahid Khan.
But unhappy Fulham supporters unveiled a banner at Southampton that read: “Risk free? Are you watching Tony Khan?â€, in a pointed reference to the Fulham owner’s son, who takes a major role in club policy.
“Following our discussion this afternoon, Claudio Ranieri agreed to my decision that a change was in the best interest of everyone,†Shahid Khan said in a statement.
Khan, whose investment of over £100million in new players in the close season after they were promoted to the Premier League has backfired spectacularly, said Ranieri behaved like a “perfect gentleman†during the talks.
“Claudio’s tenure at Fulham didn’t produce the outcome we anticipated and needed when I appointed him as manager in November, but be assured he is not solely to blame for the position we are in today,†said Khan.
“Claudio walked into a difficult situation, inheriting a side that gained only one point in its prior eight matches, and he provided an immediate boost by leading our club to nine points in his first eight matches as manager.
“Though we were unable to maintain that pace thereafter, I am grateful for his effort.†.
Last throw of the dice
Ranieri, who was sacked by Leicester months after their fairytale title success, said he was sad the good start the club had made under his charge had not been maintained.
“I am obviously disappointed with the recent results and that we could not build on the good start we made following my appointment,†said Ranieri, who took over at a time when Fulham had secured just one point from their previous eight matches.
The Cottagers were promoted to the Premier League last season with a reputation for free-flowing football, but that attacking style was exposed in the top-flight, with the club’s £100 million spree on new signings failing to deliver the required quality.
Former England midfielder Scott Parker – who ended his playing career at Fulham – is to be the caretaker manager in one last desperate throw of the dice from the west Londoners.
“Scott’s immediate assignment is merely to help us stabilise, grow and rediscover ourselves as a football club,†said Khan.
“If Scott can answer that challenge, and our players respond to the opportunity, perhaps victories will follow in the months ahead.â€Â
Ranieri is the sixth Premier League manager to lose his job this season and comes just days after Claude Puel was sacked by Leicester – Jokanovic, Mark Hughes (Southampton), Jose Mourinho (Manchester United) and David Wagner (Huddersfield) being the other casualties.
Warnock hails Cardiff's heart as Bluebirds win again for Sala Neil Warnock praised his Cardiff players for paying tribute to the late Emiliano Sala with their vital 2-1 victory at Southampton.
Warnock hails Cardiff's heart as Bluebirds win again for Sala
Real Madrid are reportedly closing in on Lyon's Ferland Mendy, who could become their second signing of the summer. Real Madrid close in on €50m Mendy All the talk around Atletico Madrid
La Liga transfer news: all change at Barcelona, Atletico
The Merlion Cup returns for an eighth edition this June in a new format after a 10-year hiatus. First introduced in 1982, the invitational tournament was an annual affair until 1986 and saw
Merlion Cup returns after 10 years - news.yahoo.com
Arsenal midfielder, Aaron Ramsey has agreed to join Juventus in a five-year-deal worth £36m. He will join Juve on a free transfer at the end of the season. The midfielder has been discussing a move for
Ramsey agrees five-year deal with Juve worth £36m - ForeTV Sports
Mohamed Salah Football Statistics | WhoScored.com
FC Porto converted a penalty kick awarded following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review three minutes from the end of extra time to beat AS Roma 3-1 on Wednesday. The win gave them a 4-3 aggregate victory to advance into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, after having lost 1-2 in the first leg.
Porto score VAR penalty in extra time to send Roma out of
la liga Barcelona more solid at the back now since start of season, says Gerard Pique Ernesto Valverde's Barca now have a defence too that can step up when the attack stalls.
Barcelona Looking for a Solid Display at Anfield
FacebookTwitterFacebook MessengerPinterestEmail Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says he has forgiven Chelsea coach Marco Ianni for his celebration of Ross Barkley's late equaliser. As
Jose Mourinho's Manchester United Exit Fee Less than £16
Italian World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro was named coach of China, spearheading the country's attempts to become a force at last. Italian legend Cannavaro named new coach of China | Sport24
Italian legend Cannavaro named new coach of China
Now into its third year in Singapore, the International Champions Cup (ICC) is set for its most exciting edition yet with Serie A heavyweights Juventus and Inter Milan, and English Premier League (EPL) giants Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur confirming their participation yesterday.
Man United, Spurs, Juventus, & Inter To Play Friendlies In S
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field | Football Extras: Plane cushions found in search for missing soccer player Sala
Plane cushions found in search for missing football star
0 comments:
Post a Comment