5 unforgettable Claudio Ranieri quotes from Leicester City's season
The fairytale has finally come true for Leicester City. They are Premier League champions after narrowly escaping relegation last season. Led by the much maligned Claudio Ranieri, they were top candidates for relegation in the beginning of the season and had 5000/1 odds for winning the league. Ranieri was also the prime candidate for the first managerial sacking of the season.
Ranieri’s team of underdogs has surprised everyone. Their incredible form was expected to be an anomaly which would die out soon. They proved their doubters wrong and have emerged triumphant. Ranieri, a man whose managerial credentials were doubted, did a fantastic job of turning relegation strugglers into title winners.
The Italian manager’s sense of humour and enthusiasm have made him a cult hero amongst football fans. He has spoken with light-hearted honesty this season which has won him many admirers. The man who was once mocked by Jose Mourinho for his linguistic skills has had some wonderful quotes attributed to him this season.
We look at the best of the “Tinkerman’s” quotes this season.
1) Leicester are like the RAF in action
When a team is likened to fighter jets, Real Madrid usually comes to mind with their scintillating counter attacks executed with lethal precision. Leicester have built up a similar reputation this season. Defending their penalty area with utmost dedication before launching into lightning fast counter attacks.
These counter attacks have been the secret to the Foxes’ success this season. Opposing teams were so surprised at the speed at which Leicester hit them on the counter that there was little else they could do other than helplessly watch.
When Jamie Vardy, Jeff Schlupp and Marc Albrighton were named the fastest players in the Premier League, Ranieri likened his team to the British Royal Air Force, saying, “I say my team is like the RAF, it’s fantastic – whoosh whoosh! – I love it.”