Claudio Ranieri
Wenger - Ranieri laid foundations at Chelsea
- Robin van Persie's 20 goals trophy - Pictures
- Arteta – I don’t want to be the 'main man'
- Wenger – I’d love to have Thierry stay longer
- Wenger – We are paying back our stadium debt
- Wenger - Gervinho's goal will be huge boost
- Top 20 Most Liked
By Chris Harris
Claudio Ranieri deserves more credit for the recent success of Chelsea, according to Arsène Wenger.
The Italian spent five seasons at Stamford Bridge but was sacked at the end of the 2003/04 campaign before the effects of Roman Abramovich’s wealth could be felt. His replacement, Jose Mourinho, scooped two Premier League titles in a row to leave Ranieri as little more than a footnote in Chelsea’s glory years.
Mourinho was the largest beneficiary of Abramovich’s multi-million investment in the Chelsea team but the English spine of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole was installed by Ranieri. For Wenger, that proves that the Italian put the foundations for success in place before Mourinho added his own unique gloss.
“Other countries are trying to analyse why the English Premier League clubs are so successful,” said Wenger ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup Semi-Final.
“They came to the conclusion it is not only the money. As well it is the face they have of the manager.
“Chelsea is is a little bit of an exception, but only recently. Mourinho stayed two or three years and Ranieri stayed five years. And Ranieri has been the foundation of today's team. It is Ranieri who built this team, not anybody else.
“It is not down to me to say that [Mourinho has received too much credit]. I just say tomorrow you never get too much credit because Mourinho certainly deserves credit but maybe Ranieri didn't get enough."
[Friday, April 17, 2009]
More Arsenal News
-
Fri, Feb 10, 2012
Wenger - Africa Nations has disappointed -
Fri, Feb 10, 2012
‘I’m confident about our big week ahead’ -
Fri, Feb 10, 2012
Wenger - Gervinho may be back next weekend -
Fri, Feb 10, 2012
Arsenal train ahead of Sunderland - Pictures -
Fri, Feb 10, 2012
Have your say on the Monday Fans' Forum -
Fri, Feb 10, 2012
Player: Watch Arsenal 360 'on demand' -
Fri, Feb 10, 2012
FREE VIDEO: Johan Djourou - Arsenal Insider -
Fri, Feb 10, 2012
GunnersGaming Best Bets: Sunderland v Arsenal -
Fri, Feb 10, 2012
‘Sunderland will be a big battle for us’ -
Fri, Feb 10, 2012
Arteta – I don’t want to be the 'main man'
