LEICESTER CITY HAVE named Claudio Ranieri as their new manager, ending speculation that Martin O’Neill is set to leave Ireland.
The Premier League club have been on the look-out for a new boss since Nigel Pearson’s departure in June. Pearson guided the Foxes to safety in England’s top flight last season but was sacked over “fundamental differences in perspective” with Thai billionaire owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
Last week, Ireland manager Martin O’Neill emerged as a leading candidate for the post. The Derryman is a hugely-popular figure at the club since winning two League Cups there in the late 90s.
However, Italian Ranieri has been today handed the role on a three-year deal. The 63-year-old is vastly-experienced in the game, having managed the likes of Juventus, Roma, Inter Milan, Valencia and Monaco.
Nicknamed ‘The Tinkerman’, Ranieri was in charge of Chelsea when Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. The Blues finished runners-up to Arsenal and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League that season, before he was replaced by Jose Mourinho.
Most recently, he managed the Greek national team.
“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.”
Leiceser face Sunderland at home on the opening day of the season.
