Claudio Ranieri took charge of his hometown team Roma on Thursday, coming out of retirement to become the Serie A club's third coach of a troubled season. Roma said that Ranieri, who won the Premier League title with Leicester City in 2016, has signed a deal until the end of the season.

The 73-year-old will then "transition into a senior executive role, where he will be an adviser to the ownership on all sporting matters at the club".

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"The search for a future coach will proceed over the next months. Claudio will have input in that decision as well," added Roma.

Ranieri agreed to coach Roma for the third time following negotiations in London on Wednesday, after which he was mobbed by fans at Rome's Fiumicino airport.

He replaces Ivan Juric, who was hired in September following the dismissal of former club captain Daniele De Rossi, but was sacked after Sunday's 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Bologna.

Juric's short spell in charge was a disaster, with four wins from 12 matches in all competitions, and the former Croatia international left Roma 12th in Serie A, just four points above the relegation zone.

Ranieri announced the end of his club management career after guiding Cagliari to safety last season.

He told Sky in Italy at the time that he would be interested in a national team job but he has made a comeback to help dig Roma out of a deep crisis.

Ranieri returns to lead Roma out of a crisis for the second time after replacing the sacked Eusebio Di Francesco in March 2019 and helping to secure Europa League qualification.

But he is held in great affection by his fellow Roma fans primarily for his first spell in charge which began a decade before.

He took over from Luciano Spalletti early in the 2009-10 season and led Roma on a thrilling league title challenge with Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan which went to the last day of the campaign.

Ranieri has a baptism of fire as his team travel to Napoli after the international break before then facing Tottenham Hotspur in London and Atalanta at home.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Claudio Ranieri took charge of his hometown team Roma on Thursday, coming out of retirement to become the Serie A club's third coach of a troubled season. Roma said that Ranieri, who won the Premier League title with Leicester City in 2016, has signed a deal until the end of the season.

Claudio Ranieri took charge of his hometown team Roma on Thursday, coming out of retirement to become the Serie A club's third coach of a troubled season. Roma said that Ranieri, who won the Premier League title with Leicester City in 2016, has signed a deal until the end of the season. The 73-year-old will then "transition into a senior executive role, where he will be an adviser to the ownership on all sporting matters at the club". ALSO READ: Nations League: Israel-France face off under tight security following Amsterdam riots "The search for a future coach will proceed over the next months. Claudio will have input in that decision as well," added Roma. Ranieri agreed to coach Roma for the third time following negotiations in London on Wednesday, after which he was mobbed by fans at Rome's Fiumicino airport. He replaces Ivan Juric, who was hired in September following the dismissal of former club captain Daniele De Rossi, but was sacked after Sunday's 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Bologna. Juric's short spell in charge was a disaster, with four wins from 12 matches in all competitions, and the former Croatia international left Roma 12th in Serie A, just four points above the relegation zone. Ranieri announced the end of his club management career after guiding Cagliari to safety last season. He told Sky in Italy at the time that he would be interested in a national team job but he has made a comeback to help dig Roma out of a deep crisis. Ranieri returns to lead Roma out of a crisis for the second time after replacing the sacked Eusebio Di Francesco in March 2019 and helping to secure Europa League qualification. But he is held in great affection by his fellow Roma fans primarily for his first spell in charge which began a decade before. He took over from Luciano Spalletti early in the 2009-10 season and led Roma on a thrilling league title challenge with Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan which went to the last day of the campaign. Ranieri has a baptism of fire as his team travel to Napoli after the international break before then facing Tottenham Hotspur in London and Atalanta at home. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Serie A: Claudio Ranieri comes out of retirement to coach hometown club AS Roma

A record 103 positive COVID-19 cases were found among players and staff in the Premier League over the past week, the league said on Monday following a raft of fixture postponements during the busy festive period.

"The League can today confirm that between Monday 20 December and Sunday 26 December, 15,186 COVID-19 tests were administered on players and club staff. Of these, there were 103 new positive cases," the league said in a statement

The figure has steadily increased in recent weeks with 42 cases between Dec. 6-12 and 90 testing positive between Dec. 13-19.

The Premier League has had 15 games postponed so far due to COVID-19 outbreaks at various clubs.

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Watford, who have had three games called off so far, said they had welcomed back players who were previously isolating but added more had tested positive ahead of Tuesday's home game against West Ham United.

Watford manager Claudio Ranieri said he would have to bring in some Under-23 players as they held their first "normal training session" since Dec. 10.

"It`s difficult to say if we are ready (and) 100%. When you meet your players for one training session, it`s very difficult to do this," Ranieri told reporters.

"There are some players who didn't make some training sessions... I think these players don`t have (what it takes to play) 90 minutes."

Wolverhampton Wanderers, who had Tuesday's trip to Arsenal postponed, said they had six confirmed cases in the first team.

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"We hope some of those players will be well enough to return for our game against Manchester United on 3rd January," Wolves said in a statement.

"Our operations team have arranged a deep clean of the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground to try to prevent further infection."

A record 103 positive COVID-19 cases were found among players and staff in the Premier League over the past week, the league said on Monday following a raft of fixture postponements during the busy festive period.

A record 103 positive COVID-19 cases were found among players and staff in the Premier League over the past week, the league said on Monday following a raft of fixture postponements during the busy festive period. "The League can today confirm that between Monday 20 December and Sunday 26 December, 15,186 COVID-19 tests were administered on players and club staff. Of these, there were 103 new positive cases," the league said in a statement The figure has steadily increased in recent weeks with 42 cases between Dec. 6-12 and 90 testing positive between Dec. 13-19. The Premier League has had 15 games postponed so far due to COVID-19 outbreaks at various clubs. ALSO READ: Premier League: Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard tests positive for COVID-19, to sit out two games Watford, who have had three games called off so far, said they had welcomed back players who were previously isolating but added more had tested positive ahead of Tuesday's home game against West Ham United. Watford manager Claudio Ranieri said he would have to bring in some Under-23 players as they held their first "normal training session" since Dec. 10. "It`s difficult to say if we are ready (and) 100%. When you meet your players for one training session, it`s very difficult to do this," Ranieri told reporters. "There are some players who didn't make some training sessions... I think these players don`t have (what it takes to play) 90 minutes." Wolverhampton Wanderers, who had Tuesday's trip to Arsenal postponed, said they had six confirmed cases in the first team. ALSO READ: 'Waste of time': Tottenham Hotspur FC boss Antonio Conte criticises Premier League's meeting with managers "We hope some of those players will be well enough to return for our game against Manchester United on 3rd January," Wolves said in a statement. "Our operations team have arranged a deep clean of the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground to try to prevent further infection."

Premier League: A whopping 103 COVID-19 cases recorded previous week among staff and players

Napoli ripped AS Roma's defence to shreds as they handed the hosts an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Sunday and piled on the problems for recently-appointed coach Claudio Ranieri.

Roma began the game in fifth place with a chance to move within a point of fourth-placed AC Milan, who lost 1-0 at Sampdoria on Saturday, but instead dropped to sixth after Atalanta won 3-1 at Parma to overtake them.

Arkadiusz Milik put Napoli ahead after two minutes, cleverly controlling Simone Verdi's chipped pass with his heel and then swiveling to fire past Robin Olsen.

Having dominated the first half, with another Milik goal chalked off for offside, Napoli were pegged back in stoppage time when Patrik Schick was fouled by goalkeeper Alex Meret and Diego Perotti slotted home the penalty.

Yet Roma were left reeling by two quick goals after the break as they slumped to a second defeat in Ranieri's three games in charge.

Jose Callejon's low cross slipped under Olsen's hand to leave Dries Mertens with a tap-in at the far post in the 50th minute, then Fabian Ruiz burst down the left and set up Verdi for the third five minutes later.

Substitute Amin Younes added the fourth, scoring at the second attempt after Roma failed to clear a corner.

Second-placed Napoli stayed 15 points behind runaway leaders Juventus, who beat Empoli 1-0 on Saturday.

Milan, in the lowest of the Champions League slots, have 51 points, followed by Atalanta (48) and Roma (47).

Ranieri returned for a second stint at the club to replace Eusebio Di Francesco, fired after a 3-0 derby defeat to Lazio was followed by Champions League elimination at the hands of Porto.

"It's difficult, but we are working hard and trying to do our best," said Ranieri. "The others run faster and harder and get to the ball first. Do I regret taking the job? Never."

Atalanta fell behind to an early Gervinho goal at Parma before Mario Pasalic levelled midway through the first half and two goals in the last 15 minutes from striker Duvan Zapata gave them the points.

The Colombian took his season's tally to 19, level with Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo and two behind leading scorer Fabio Quagliarella of Sampdoria.

Napoli ripped AS Roma's defence to shreds as they handed the hosts an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Sunday and piled on the problems for recently-appointed coach Claudio Ranieri.

Napoli ripped AS Roma's defence to shreds as they handed the hosts an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Sunday and piled on the problems for recently-appointed coach Claudio Ranieri. Roma began the game in fifth place with a chance to move within a point of fourth-placed AC Milan, who lost 1-0 at Sampdoria on Saturday, but instead dropped to sixth after Atalanta won 3-1 at Parma to overtake them. Arkadiusz Milik put Napoli ahead after two minutes, cleverly controlling Simone Verdi's chipped pass with his heel and then swiveling to fire past Robin Olsen. Having dominated the first half, with another Milik goal chalked off for offside, Napoli were pegged back in stoppage time when Patrik Schick was fouled by goalkeeper Alex Meret and Diego Perotti slotted home the penalty. Yet Roma were left reeling by two quick goals after the break as they slumped to a second defeat in Ranieri's three games in charge. Jose Callejon's low cross slipped under Olsen's hand to leave Dries Mertens with a tap-in at the far post in the 50th minute, then Fabian Ruiz burst down the left and set up Verdi for the third five minutes later. Substitute Amin Younes added the fourth, scoring at the second attempt after Roma failed to clear a corner. Second-placed Napoli stayed 15 points behind runaway leaders Juventus, who beat Empoli 1-0 on Saturday. Milan, in the lowest of the Champions League slots, have 51 points, followed by Atalanta (48) and Roma (47). Ranieri returned for a second stint at the club to replace Eusebio Di Francesco, fired after a 3-0 derby defeat to Lazio was followed by Champions League elimination at the hands of Porto. "It's difficult, but we are working hard and trying to do our best," said Ranieri. "The others run faster and harder and get to the ball first. Do I regret taking the job? Never." Atalanta fell behind to an early Gervinho goal at Parma before Mario Pasalic levelled midway through the first half and two goals in the last 15 minutes from striker Duvan Zapata gave them the points. The Colombian took his season's tally to 19, level with Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo and two behind leading scorer Fabio Quagliarella of Sampdoria.

Claudio Ranieri's problems mount as Napoli thump Roma 4-1

Claudio Ranieri's AS Roma homecoming is quickly threatening to turn sour with the veteran coach facing a multitude of problems ahead of Sunday's match against Napoli.

Ranieri, who was appointed one week after being fired by English Premier League side Fulham where he had been in charge for three months, appears to have leapt from the frying pan into the fire.

Having been knocked out of the Champions League by Porto, which led to the downfall of predecessor Eusebio Di Francesco, fifth-placed Roma have lost ground in the race for the Champions League places next season.

They are four points adrift of the top four where they must finish to qualify. Napoli are second with 60 points, 15 behind runaway leaders Juventus who host Empoli on Saturday.

Rome-born Ranieri, in his second stint in charge of the club where he also began his playing career, has inherited a team plagued by injuries and form problems and with an infuriating tendency to switch off during matches.

Having beaten Empoli in his first game, Ranieri's side then lost 2-1 to SPAL, continuing a string of defeats against teams from the lower half of the table. Ranieri gave a withering assessment of the performance against SPAL.

"We need to be more determined, more of a team and also improve our tactics, because we ran hard, but with no real reasoning and that's not good enough," he said.

Italian media reported that tempers flared in the Roma dressing-room at halftime at SPAL with a furious row between strikers Stephan El Shaarawy and Edin Dzeko.

The club have not commented on the reports.

Roma go into Sunday's match with injury problems, something which has been a feature of their season.

El Shaarawy and full back Alessandro Florenzi both left the Italy squad with calf problems during the international break and are unavailable while Daniele De Rossi, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Javier Pastore are doubtful.

La Repubblica newspaper calculated that Roma's squad have suffered 40 muscular injuries between them this season.

There are also worries about the form of goalkeeper Robin Olsen after his performance in the 3-3 draw for Sweden against Norway on Tuesday, with suggestions that Ranieri could turn to Antonio Mirante.

Olsen's long-term future at the club, after some unconvincing displays, is also in doubt.

Meanwhile, forward Diego Perotti denied comments by his father Hugo, a former player, about a possible return to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors.

"My father dropped me in it and I'm angry," Perotti told Tyc Sport in Argentina. "I still have two years of my contract to go and I'm not returning to Argentina at the moment."

Ranieri warned that the players were playing for their future at the club. "There's a plan in place if Roma get into the Champions League. If we don't, quite a few of these guys could change clubs," he said.

"I can't say if there will be a revolution if Roma don't qualify for the Champions League, but if they don't get the revenue from that competition something will inevitably have to change."

Claudio Ranieri's AS Roma homecoming is quickly threatening to turn sour with the veteran coach facing a multitude of problems ahead of Sunday's match against Napoli.

Claudio Ranieri's AS Roma homecoming is quickly threatening to turn sour with the veteran coach facing a multitude of problems ahead of Sunday's match against Napoli. Ranieri, who was appointed one week after being fired by English Premier League side Fulham where he had been in charge for three months, appears to have leapt from the frying pan into the fire. Having been knocked out of the Champions League by Porto, which led to the downfall of predecessor Eusebio Di Francesco, fifth-placed Roma have lost ground in the race for the Champions League places next season. They are four points adrift of the top four where they must finish to qualify. Napoli are second with 60 points, 15 behind runaway leaders Juventus who host Empoli on Saturday. Rome-born Ranieri, in his second stint in charge of the club where he also began his playing career, has inherited a team plagued by injuries and form problems and with an infuriating tendency to switch off during matches. Having beaten Empoli in his first game, Ranieri's side then lost 2-1 to SPAL, continuing a string of defeats against teams from the lower half of the table. Ranieri gave a withering assessment of the performance against SPAL. "We need to be more determined, more of a team and also improve our tactics, because we ran hard, but with no real reasoning and that's not good enough," he said. Italian media reported that tempers flared in the Roma dressing-room at halftime at SPAL with a furious row between strikers Stephan El Shaarawy and Edin Dzeko. The club have not commented on the reports. Roma go into Sunday's match with injury problems, something which has been a feature of their season. El Shaarawy and full back Alessandro Florenzi both left the Italy squad with calf problems during the international break and are unavailable while Daniele De Rossi, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Javier Pastore are doubtful. La Repubblica newspaper calculated that Roma's squad have suffered 40 muscular injuries between them this season. There are also worries about the form of goalkeeper Robin Olsen after his performance in the 3-3 draw for Sweden against Norway on Tuesday, with suggestions that Ranieri could turn to Antonio Mirante. Olsen's long-term future at the club, after some unconvincing displays, is also in doubt. Meanwhile, forward Diego Perotti denied comments by his father Hugo, a former player, about a possible return to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors. "My father dropped me in it and I'm angry," Perotti told Tyc Sport in Argentina. "I still have two years of my contract to go and I'm not returning to Argentina at the moment." Ranieri warned that the players were playing for their future at the club. "There's a plan in place if Roma get into the Champions League. If we don't, quite a few of these guys could change clubs," he said. "I can't say if there will be a revolution if Roma don't qualify for the Champions League, but if they don't get the revenue from that competition something will inevitably have to change."

Claudio Ranieri's problems multiply as Roma face Napoli

Relegation-threatened Fulham sacked Claudio Ranieri as manager on Thursday and appointed Scott Parker as his caretaker replacement.

Ranieri, who guided Leicester City to an extraordinary 2016 Premier League title, was appointed in November after the dismissal of Slavisa Jokanovic but failed to work another miracle and lasted only 16 league games, winning three.

"I am obviously disappointed with the recent results and that we could not build on the good start we made following my appointment," said the 67-year-old.

"I would like to thank the Club, the players and the fans for the support they have given me during my time at the Club."

The Italian's departure came as no surprise, with Fulham 19th in the table and 10 points adrift of 17th placed Southampton in the final safety spot with only 10 games remaining.

Ranieri had recognised his future at the West London side was uncertain after Wednesday's stinging 2-0 defeat at Southampton.

"Following our discussion this afternoon, Claudio Ranieri agreed to my decision that a change was in the best interest of everyone," chairman Shahid Khan said in a statement on the Fulham website.

Khan said the Italian had been "a perfect gentleman, as always," but it had not worked out and he left Craven Cottage as a friend.

"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," added the chairman.

Khan acknowledged Ranieri had inherited a difficult situation, taking over with Fulham bottom of the league after just one win.

"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."

Parker's brief was to "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.

"What’s most important at this moment, however, is to regroup in a smart and deliberate manner that will serve our long-term vision for sustainable success."

Former England midfielder Parker's first game in charge will be against local rivals Chelsea, another of his and Ranieri's former clubs, on Sunday.

Relegation-threatened Fulham sacked Claudio Ranieri as manager on Thursday and appointed Scott Parker as his caretaker replacement. Ranieri, who guided Leicester City to an extraordinary 2016 Premier League title, was appointed in November after the dismissal of Slavisa Jokanovic but failed to work another miracle and lasted only 16 league games, winning three.

Relegation-threatened Fulham sacked Claudio Ranieri as manager on Thursday and appointed Scott Parker as his caretaker replacement. Ranieri, who guided Leicester City to an extraordinary 2016 Premier League title, was appointed in November after the dismissal of Slavisa Jokanovic but failed to work another miracle and lasted only 16 league games, winning three. "I am obviously disappointed with the recent results and that we could not build on the good start we made following my appointment," said the 67-year-old. "I would like to thank the Club, the players and the fans for the support they have given me during my time at the Club." The Italian's departure came as no surprise, with Fulham 19th in the table and 10 points adrift of 17th placed Southampton in the final safety spot with only 10 games remaining. Ranieri had recognised his future at the West London side was uncertain after Wednesday's stinging 2-0 defeat at Southampton. "Following our discussion this afternoon, Claudio Ranieri agreed to my decision that a change was in the best interest of everyone," chairman Shahid Khan said in a statement on the Fulham website. Khan said the Italian had been "a perfect gentleman, as always," but it had not worked out and he left Craven Cottage as a friend. "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," added the chairman. Khan acknowledged Ranieri had inherited a difficult situation, taking over with Fulham bottom of the league after just one win. "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." Parker's brief was to "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. "What’s most important at this moment, however, is to regroup in a smart and deliberate manner that will serve our long-term vision for sustainable success." Former England midfielder Parker's first game in charge will be against local rivals Chelsea, another of his and Ranieri's former clubs, on Sunday.

Scott Parker takes over at Fulham after Claudio Ranieri shown the door

Finding a way to plug Fulham's leaky defence is the priority for the Premier League side's new manager Claudio Ranieri after the Italian took over a team at the bottom of the standings on five points from 12 matches.

The 67-year-old replaced Slavisa Jokanovic on Wednesday after Fulham, who have conceded a Premier League-high 31 goals this season, lost patience with the Serb, with Ranieri saying the entire team needed to pull together to escape their plight.&nbsp;

"As an Italian manager, for us the defensive way is the best for the team," Ranieri, a former Chelsea and Roma manager who masterminded Leicester City's fairytale title win in 2016, said in an interview on Fulham's website.

"It is important to have a strong vision of the defence. Not just the full backs or goalkeeper, all the team."

Ranieri`s title-winning season at Leicester was built on a solid defensive platform with a squad willing to scrap for every point, and the Italian is keen to instil similar values at the London club.

"For me, team spirit is important but I know there is a good group. The fighting spirit is very important... I hope our fans push us and we need their strength. We need their support always. We will never give up," he added.

Fulham host fellow strugglers Southampton on Nov. 24 after the Premier League resumes following the international break.

Finding a way to plug Fulham's leaky defence is the priority for the Premier League side's new manager Claudio Ranieri after the Italian took over a team at the bottom of the standings on five points from 12 matches.

Finding a way to plug Fulham's leaky defence is the priority for the Premier League side's new manager Claudio Ranieri after the Italian took over a team at the bottom of the standings on five points from 12 matches. The 67-year-old replaced Slavisa Jokanovic on Wednesday after Fulham, who have conceded a Premier League-high 31 goals this season, lost patience with the Serb, with Ranieri saying the entire team needed to pull together to escape their plight. "As an Italian manager, for us the defensive way is the best for the team," Ranieri, a former Chelsea and Roma manager who masterminded Leicester City's fairytale title win in 2016, said in an interview on Fulham's website. "It is important to have a strong vision of the defence. Not just the full backs or goalkeeper, all the team." Ranieri`s title-winning season at Leicester was built on a solid defensive platform with a squad willing to scrap for every point, and the Italian is keen to instil similar values at the London club. "For me, team spirit is important but I know there is a good group. The fighting spirit is very important... I hope our fans push us and we need their strength. We need their support always. We will never give up," he added. Fulham host fellow strugglers Southampton on Nov. 24 after the Premier League resumes following the international break.

New manager Ranieri prioritises shoring up Fulham's leaky defence

England football club Fulham on Wednesday sacked manager Slavisa Jokanovic after a series of poor performance of Cottagers, who are sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table with five points from 12 games.&nbsp;

The club replaced Jokanovic with Claudio Ranieri, who guided Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2016.

As per media reports, 67-year-old Ranieri has been given a multi-year contract by the Londoners.

"Making a change without having the right answer or succession plan was not an option," said Fulham chairman Shahid Khan.

"So having someone of Claudio's calibre ready to accept our challenge was comforting but, most of all, essential. Claudio is risk-free and ready-made for the Premier League, and particularly so for what we need at this moment at Fulham."

"His recent body of work with Leicester City is literally legendary, and then you look at Claudio's experience with Chelsea and big clubs throughout Europe, and it's pretty evident we are welcoming an extraordinary football man to Fulham Football Club."

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Shahid Khan today announced that he has appointed Claudio Ranieri as Manager of Fulham Football Club, replacing Slaviša Jokanović. 
 
👉 <a href="https://t.co/BUE1vNnvaO">https://t.co/BUE1vNnvaO</a> <a href="https://t.co/pfxS97ONPG">pic.twitter.com/pfxS97ONPG</a>
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The Italian was most recently in charge of French football club Nantes, which he left by mutual consent at the end of last season.&nbsp;

England football club Fulham on Wednesday sacked manager Slavisa Jokanovic after a series of poor performance of Cottagers, who are sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table with five points from 12 games.

England football club Fulham on Wednesday sacked manager Slavisa Jokanovic after a series of poor performance of Cottagers, who are sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table with five points from 12 games. The club replaced Jokanovic with Claudio Ranieri, who guided Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2016. As per media reports, 67-year-old Ranieri has been given a multi-year contract by the Londoners. "Making a change without having the right answer or succession plan was not an option," said Fulham chairman Shahid Khan. "So having someone of Claudio's calibre ready to accept our challenge was comforting but, most of all, essential. Claudio is risk-free and ready-made for the Premier League, and particularly so for what we need at this moment at Fulham." "His recent body of work with Leicester City is literally legendary, and then you look at Claudio's experience with Chelsea and big clubs throughout Europe, and it's pretty evident we are welcoming an extraordinary football man to Fulham Football Club." Shahid Khan today announced that he has appointed Claudio Ranieri as Manager of Fulham Football Club, replacing Slaviša Jokanović. 👉 https://t.co/BUE1vNnvaO pic.twitter.com/pfxS97ONPG — Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) November 14, 2018 × The Italian was most recently in charge of French football club Nantes, which he left by mutual consent at the end of last season.

Claudio Ranieri replaces Slavisa Jokanovic as Fulham FC manager

Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy has denied he was involved in the sacking of manager Claudio Ranieri nine months after the Italian led his team to the Premier League title.

After guiding Leicester to one of the most unlikely title victories last year, Ranieri was fired on Thursday with the Foxes mired in a relegation battle. They are now 18th in the table, two points above bottom side Sunderland.

&quot;There is speculation I was involved in his dismissal and this completely untrue, unfounded and is extremely hurtful!&quot; Vardy wrote in an Instagram post on Saturday alongside a photo of Ranieri.&nbsp;

&quot;The only thing we are guilty of as a team is under-achieving which we all acknowledge both in the dressing-room and publicly and will do our best to rectify,&quot; he added.

Vardy scored 24 Premier League goals last season to spearhead Leicester`s extraordinary triumph after starting the campaign at odds of 5,000-1 to win England`s top-flight title for the first time in their history.

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<h5>Claudio has and always will have my complete respect! What we achieved together and as a team was the impossible! He believed in me when many didn`t and for that I owe him my eternal gratitude,&#39; Vardy said</h5>
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&quot;Claudio has and always will have my complete respect! What we achieved together and as a team was the impossible! He believed in me when many didn`t and for that I owe him my eternal gratitude,&quot; Vardy said.

&quot;I wish Claudio the very very best in whatever the future holds for him. Thank You Claudio for everything.&quot;

Vardy`s post came after goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel also denied reports that players led a revolt against the 65-year-old Ranieri who said goodbye to the Leicester squad on Saturday morning.

&quot;There`s absolutely no truth in that whatsoever,&quot; The Dane told the BBC. &quot;We are players, we can only affect on the pitch and we haven`t done that.&quot;

Leicester are owned by Thai businessman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha who is the club chairman.

&quot;What I can say is our owners are very hands on. They are in and around the club. They`ve been here all the time, they come to practically every game and they speak to all the players regularly,&quot; Schmeichel said.

&quot;They`re successful businessmen and they`re not going to allow themselves to be influenced by any players.&quot;

Leicester host Liverpool on Monday.&nbsp;

(Reuters)

'There is speculation I was involved in his dismissal and this completely untrue, unfounded and is extremely hurtful!' he wrote on Instagram

Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy has denied he was involved in the sacking of manager Claudio Ranieri nine months after the Italian led his team to the Premier League title. After guiding Leicester to one of the most unlikely title victories last year, Ranieri was fired on Thursday with the Foxes mired in a relegation battle. They are now 18th in the table, two points above bottom side Sunderland. "There is speculation I was involved in his dismissal and this completely untrue, unfounded and is extremely hurtful!" Vardy wrote in an Instagram post on Saturday alongside a photo of Ranieri. "The only thing we are guilty of as a team is under-achieving which we all acknowledge both in the dressing-room and publicly and will do our best to rectify," he added. Vardy scored 24 Premier League goals last season to spearhead Leicester`s extraordinary triumph after starting the campaign at odds of 5,000-1 to win England`s top-flight title for the first time in their history. Claudio has and always will have my complete respect! What we achieved together and as a team was the impossible! He believed in me when many didn`t and for that I owe him my eternal gratitude,' Vardy said × "Claudio has and always will have my complete respect! What we achieved together and as a team was the impossible! He believed in me when many didn`t and for that I owe him my eternal gratitude," Vardy said. "I wish Claudio the very very best in whatever the future holds for him. Thank You Claudio for everything." Vardy`s post came after goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel also denied reports that players led a revolt against the 65-year-old Ranieri who said goodbye to the Leicester squad on Saturday morning. "There`s absolutely no truth in that whatsoever," The Dane told the BBC. "We are players, we can only affect on the pitch and we haven`t done that." Leicester are owned by Thai businessman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha who is the club chairman. "What I can say is our owners are very hands on. They are in and around the club. They`ve been here all the time, they come to practically every game and they speak to all the players regularly," Schmeichel said. "They`re successful businessmen and they`re not going to allow themselves to be influenced by any players." Leicester host Liverpool on Monday. (Reuters)

Vardy says he had nothing to do with Ranieri sacking

Claudio Ranieri said his &quot;dream died&quot; when he was sacked by Leicester City nine months after leading them to the Premier League title against all the odds.

The Italian was fired on Thursday with Leicester one place and one point above the relegation zone.

&quot;Yesterday my dream died,&quot; Ranieri said in a statement on Friday. &quot;After the euphoria of last season and being crowned Premier League champions all I dreamt of was staying with Leicester; the club I love for always. Sadly this was not to be.&quot;

Ranieri&#39;s dismissal has been met with widespread shock.

&quot;The adventure was amazing and will live with me forever,&quot; the 65-year-old manager said.

&quot;My heartfelt thanks to everybody at the club, everybody who was part of what we achieved, but mostly to the supporters. You took me into your hearts from day one and loved me. I love you too.&quot;

Leicester started last season as 5,000-1 outsiders to win the English top-flight title for the first time in their history.

&quot;No-one can ever take away what we achieved together and I hope you think about it and smile every day the way I always will,&quot; Ranieri said.

&quot;It was a time of wonderfulness and happiness that I will never forget. It&#39;s been a pleasure and an honour to be a champion with all of you.&quot;

(Reuters)

The Italian was fired on Thursday with Leicester City one place and one point above the relegation zone

Claudio Ranieri said his "dream died" when he was sacked by Leicester City nine months after leading them to the Premier League title against all the odds. The Italian was fired on Thursday with Leicester one place and one point above the relegation zone. "Yesterday my dream died," Ranieri said in a statement on Friday. "After the euphoria of last season and being crowned Premier League champions all I dreamt of was staying with Leicester; the club I love for always. Sadly this was not to be." Ranieri's dismissal has been met with widespread shock. "The adventure was amazing and will live with me forever," the 65-year-old manager said. "My heartfelt thanks to everybody at the club, everybody who was part of what we achieved, but mostly to the supporters. You took me into your hearts from day one and loved me. I love you too." Leicester started last season as 5,000-1 outsiders to win the English top-flight title for the first time in their history. "No-one can ever take away what we achieved together and I hope you think about it and smile every day the way I always will," Ranieri said. "It was a time of wonderfulness and happiness that I will never forget. It's been a pleasure and an honour to be a champion with all of you." (Reuters)

My dream has died, says sacked Ranieri

Leicester City&#39;s beleaguered manager Claudio Ranieri suggested he is ready to drop some of the players who won them the Premier League title as the Italian seeks to stave off relegation just one season later.

The champions have yet to win -- or even score -- in six league matches in 2017 and were beaten 2-0 by fellow relegation strugglers Swansea City on Sunday.

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<h5>Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, who last year both signed new contracts reported in the British media to be worth 110,000 Pounds ($137,368.00) per week, have underperformed this season and could find their places under threat, along with another of last season&#39;s leading lights, Danny Drinkwater</h5>
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The latest setback leaves them just one point above the relegation zone with the club seemingly free-falling into the Championship.

When asked by reporters if he had been too loyal to the players from last season, Ranieri said: &quot;I could be. Of course, it is difficult when you achieve something so good, you want to give them one chance, two chances or three chances. Maybe now, it is too much.

&quot;Of course I must change something because it&#39;s not possible to continue in this way. We have two problems - we concede and we don&#39;t score. Everybody tries to say something positive to help each other. But after, we go back (to losing games).

&quot;I always question myself but then I always say &#39;come on, together we can do something good&#39;.&quot;

Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, who last year both signed new contracts reported in the British media to be worth 110,000 Pounds ($137,368.00) per week, have underperformed this season and could find their places under threat, along with another of last season&#39;s leading lights, Danny Drinkwater.

Leicester&#39;s astonishing decline could see them become the first English champions to be relegated from the top flight since Manchester City in 1938.

On Sunday Ranieri suggested the relegation fight will take priority over the Champions League and FA Cup, both of which competitions they remain involved in.

On Saturday they face an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Millwall, followed by the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 against Sevilla.

&quot;Now there are a few matches in front of us so we have to find a solution very, very soon,&quot; he said. &quot;There are two matches in front of us, one in the FA Cup and one in the Champions League but our mind is on the Premier League.

&quot;It is important to be strong. Now it is 10 hours without scoring a goal and we have to find a solution because it is not possible (that) everything is wrong this season.

&quot;The machine is not broken but when you don&#39;t play at a maximum level it is a difficult battle. We stick together. I&#39;m confident with my players because it only takes one moment for it to turn.&quot;

Last week the Italian received a vote of confidence from the club, who said he had their &quot;unwavering support&quot; but British bookmakers have him at short odds to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked.

(Reuters)

The champions have yet to win -- or even score -- in 6 league matches in 2017

Leicester City's beleaguered manager Claudio Ranieri suggested he is ready to drop some of the players who won them the Premier League title as the Italian seeks to stave off relegation just one season later. The champions have yet to win -- or even score -- in six league matches in 2017 and were beaten 2-0 by fellow relegation strugglers Swansea City on Sunday. Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, who last year both signed new contracts reported in the British media to be worth 110,000 Pounds ($137,368.00) per week, have underperformed this season and could find their places under threat, along with another of last season's leading lights, Danny Drinkwater × The latest setback leaves them just one point above the relegation zone with the club seemingly free-falling into the Championship. When asked by reporters if he had been too loyal to the players from last season, Ranieri said: "I could be. Of course, it is difficult when you achieve something so good, you want to give them one chance, two chances or three chances. Maybe now, it is too much. "Of course I must change something because it's not possible to continue in this way. We have two problems - we concede and we don't score. Everybody tries to say something positive to help each other. But after, we go back (to losing games). "I always question myself but then I always say 'come on, together we can do something good'." Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, who last year both signed new contracts reported in the British media to be worth 110,000 Pounds ($137,368.00) per week, have underperformed this season and could find their places under threat, along with another of last season's leading lights, Danny Drinkwater. Leicester's astonishing decline could see them become the first English champions to be relegated from the top flight since Manchester City in 1938. On Sunday Ranieri suggested the relegation fight will take priority over the Champions League and FA Cup, both of which competitions they remain involved in. On Saturday they face an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Millwall, followed by the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 against Sevilla. "Now there are a few matches in front of us so we have to find a solution very, very soon," he said. "There are two matches in front of us, one in the FA Cup and one in the Champions League but our mind is on the Premier League. "It is important to be strong. Now it is 10 hours without scoring a goal and we have to find a solution because it is not possible (that) everything is wrong this season. "The machine is not broken but when you don't play at a maximum level it is a difficult battle. We stick together. I'm confident with my players because it only takes one moment for it to turn." Last week the Italian received a vote of confidence from the club, who said he had their "unwavering support" but British bookmakers have him at short odds to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked. (Reuters)

After yet another loss, angry Ranieri suggests he's ready to drop Leicester stars

&nbsp;

Portugal&#39;s star player Cristiano Ronaldo won FIFA&#39;s player of the year award for the fourth time, beating his old rival Argentinia&#39;s Lionel Messi. Italian Claudio Ranieri won the coach of the year award for leading rank outsiders Leicester City to the English Premier League title.

Ronaldo was rewarded for his performance in 2016 when he won the Champions League with his club Real Madrid and then Euro 2016 with Portugal. Five-times winner and four-times runner-up Messi was second and Frenchman Antoine Griezmann third.

&quot;I don`t have much more to say, I think the awards speak for themselves,&quot; he added. &quot;I&#39;m very happy and I can say that 2016 was the best year of my career, the trophy shows that people aren&#39;t blind and watch the games.&quot;

FIFA, which organised the award jointly with France Football magazine from 2010 to 2015 when it was named the Ballon d&#39;Or, rebranded it as &quot;The Best&quot; this year after splitting with the French publication. France Football continued with its own award which was also won by Ronaldo last month.

The ceremony, previously held at the Kongresshaus theatre in central Zurich, this year took place in the much more modest setting of a television studio on an industrial estate near the airport. Ronaldo previously won in 2008, 2013, 2014 with Messi second on each occasion. Messi won from 2009-12 and then again in 2015 with Ronaldo second on every occasion except in 2010 when Andres Iniesta was runner-up. Ranieri said he was &quot;crazy&quot; after winning the coach`s award ahead of Fernando Santos, who led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title.

&quot;I am crazy now,&quot; he said. &quot;What happened last season in England was something strange. The football gods said Leicester must win.&quot; Colombian side Atletico Nacional were given the Fair Play Award for conceding to Copa Sudamericana title to Brazilian side Chapecoense, whose team was decimated when a plane taking to the final crashed, killing 71 people.

&quot;We did nothing more than what we had to do....handing them this trophy as a gesture of hope,&quot; said club president Juan Carlos de La Cuesta.

American Carli Lloyd won the women&#39;s player of the year award for the second year in a row.&nbsp; Mohd Faiz Subri, of Malaysian Super League side Penang, won the goal of the year award for a 35-metre free kick in which the ball dipped and swung in a bewildering fashion to leave the goalkeeper stranded.

(Reuters)

Cristiano Ronaldo won the award for the fourth time, beating his old rival Lionel Messi

Portugal's star player Cristiano Ronaldo won FIFA's player of the year award for the fourth time, beating his old rival Argentinia's Lionel Messi. Italian Claudio Ranieri won the coach of the year award for leading rank outsiders Leicester City to the English Premier League title. Ronaldo was rewarded for his performance in 2016 when he won the Champions League with his club Real Madrid and then Euro 2016 with Portugal. Five-times winner and four-times runner-up Messi was second and Frenchman Antoine Griezmann third. "I don`t have much more to say, I think the awards speak for themselves," he added. "I'm very happy and I can say that 2016 was the best year of my career, the trophy shows that people aren't blind and watch the games." FIFA, which organised the award jointly with France Football magazine from 2010 to 2015 when it was named the Ballon d'Or, rebranded it as "The Best" this year after splitting with the French publication. France Football continued with its own award which was also won by Ronaldo last month. The ceremony, previously held at the Kongresshaus theatre in central Zurich, this year took place in the much more modest setting of a television studio on an industrial estate near the airport. Ronaldo previously won in 2008, 2013, 2014 with Messi second on each occasion. Messi won from 2009-12 and then again in 2015 with Ronaldo second on every occasion except in 2010 when Andres Iniesta was runner-up. Ranieri said he was "crazy" after winning the coach`s award ahead of Fernando Santos, who led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title. "I am crazy now," he said. "What happened last season in England was something strange. The football gods said Leicester must win." Colombian side Atletico Nacional were given the Fair Play Award for conceding to Copa Sudamericana title to Brazilian side Chapecoense, whose team was decimated when a plane taking to the final crashed, killing 71 people. "We did nothing more than what we had to do....handing them this trophy as a gesture of hope," said club president Juan Carlos de La Cuesta. American Carli Lloyd won the women's player of the year award for the second year in a row. Mohd Faiz Subri, of Malaysian Super League side Penang, won the goal of the year award for a 35-metre free kick in which the ball dipped and swung in a bewildering fashion to leave the goalkeeper stranded. (Reuters)

Ronaldo wins FIFA's player of the year award

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri is confident Riyad Mahrez will stay at the club after midfielder N&#39;Golo Kante&#39;s Chelsea move triggered speculation that the influential winger could follow suit. 
 
Leicester have already had to fight off advances from several clubs to keep striker Jamie Vardy and left wing-back Jeffrey Schlupp, and Ranieri was certain of retaining the majority of the Premier League title-winning squad. 
 
Mahrez remains the subject of interest from several clubs, including Spanish champions Barcelona, according to the British media, while Vardy rejected Arsenal and signed a new deal at Leicester last month. 
 
&quot;Only Kante wanted to go, that&#39;s okay. But I understood him, he came from a little team in France and had a fantastic season. I said to him, stay with us and have another year with us, but he wanted to go,&quot; Ranieri told British media. 
 
&quot;Everybody here is happy and yes, he wants to stay. No other players will go away. We will stay together. The football continues without Riyad or without Kante, but Riyad will stay with us for all of the years.&nbsp;It&#39;s important to maintain the group, with the spirit, with the humility. That&#39;s important for me.&quot; 
 
Leicester&#39;s head of recruitment Steve Walsh, who was instrumental in bringing both Mahrez and Kante to the club, has been heavily linked with the director of football role at Everton. 
 
Ranieri has already lost a major part of his backroom staff when highly-rated scout Ben Wrigglesworth went to Arsenal in January and Rob MacKenzie was installed as Tottenham Hotspur&#39;s head of talent identification in February.&nbsp;Leicester will kick off their title defence with a trip to the KC Stadium, where they will face promoted Hull City on August 13. 
 
(Reuters)

Leicester have already had to fight off advances from several clubs to keep striker Jamie Vardy and left wing-back Jeffrey Schlupp

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri is confident Riyad Mahrez will stay at the club after midfielder N'Golo Kante's Chelsea move triggered speculation that the influential winger could follow suit. Leicester have already had to fight off advances from several clubs to keep striker Jamie Vardy and left wing-back Jeffrey Schlupp, and Ranieri was certain of retaining the majority of the Premier League title-winning squad. Mahrez remains the subject of interest from several clubs, including Spanish champions Barcelona, according to the British media, while Vardy rejected Arsenal and signed a new deal at Leicester last month. "Only Kante wanted to go, that's okay. But I understood him, he came from a little team in France and had a fantastic season. I said to him, stay with us and have another year with us, but he wanted to go," Ranieri told British media. "Everybody here is happy and yes, he wants to stay. No other players will go away. We will stay together. The football continues without Riyad or without Kante, but Riyad will stay with us for all of the years. It's important to maintain the group, with the spirit, with the humility. That's important for me." Leicester's head of recruitment Steve Walsh, who was instrumental in bringing both Mahrez and Kante to the club, has been heavily linked with the director of football role at Everton. Ranieri has already lost a major part of his backroom staff when highly-rated scout Ben Wrigglesworth went to Arsenal in January and Rob MacKenzie was installed as Tottenham Hotspur's head of talent identification in February. Leicester will kick off their title defence with a trip to the KC Stadium, where they will face promoted Hull City on August 13. (Reuters)

Riyad Mahrez will not follow Kante out of Leicester, says Ranieri

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