THE last time Claudio Ranieri was appointed to a job in the Premier League, the reaction was disbelief and laughter.
Gary Lineker dismissed the Italian as “an uninspired choice”, Tony Cottee thought it was a “huge gamble” and Harry Redknapp added: “After what happened with Greece, I am surprised he can walk back into the Premier League.”
Italian Claudio Ranieri won the Premier League title with Leicester in 2016PA:Press Association
What happened next is a history that will never be forgotten, especially in Leicester.
The greatest, most remarkable and unexpected story, arguably of any era, certainly of this one.
And that is why Fulham’s decision to appoint the Italian, bringing him back to West London some 18 years since his first role in the SW postcode, will not attract any criticism.
Ranieri is not quite as nice as he comes across. If he was, he wouldn’t have survived more than three decades in club management, in four countries.
Claudio Ranieri guided Leicester to the Premier League title in 2016 after going close with Chelsea in 2004PA:Press Association
But Ranieri, as he proved at Leicester, knows how to get results. And that is what Fulham need.
The harsh reality is that Slavisa Jokanovic has simply not adapted to the Premier League.
His side have been wide open. Far too easy to score against.
Jokanovic’s inconsistent, seemingly ever-changing selection policy has not helped either.
And the one thing we know from his spell at the Foxes is that Ranieri will identify his first team, especially his back line, and ensure they are organised. That in itself should make a difference. A big one.
By Martin Lipton
FULHAM have sacked Slavisa Jokanovic after a disastrous run of six league defeats on the spin.
And the Serb has been replaced by former Chelsea and Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri.
The decision, taken by Cottagers owner Shahid Khan, comes with Fulham bottom of the Prem table after 12 matches.
Despite a £100million summer investment after their promotion through the play-offs last term, Fulham have struggled in the top flight.
If Fulham can learn to defend, properly, then their attacking talents can still prosper.
There are goals in the side, as long as they have a platform to leap off.
Over his serious managerial career, which started back in 1988 at Cagliari, Ranieri has won just over 45 per cent of his matches.
If he can match that at Fulham, it will bring 12 wins over the rest of this season. Add in the seven draws his career has averaged and that will be 43 additional points. More than enough.
Of course, it is not that easy. Every point in the Premier League has to be won.
Slavisa Jokanovic had managed just one Premier League win this seasonPA:Press Association
CAGLIARI
Serie B promotion – 1999
FIORENTINA
Coppa Italia – 1996
VALENCIA
Copa del Rey – 1999
Uefa Super Cup -1994
CHELSEA 2000-2004
Sacked after finishing runners-up in Premier League and reaching Champions League semi-finals
MONACO
Ligue 2 title – 2013
LEICESTER CITY
Premier League title – 2016
Ranieri will have to work – for the next six weeks at least – with Jokanovic’s squad.
It is hard to believe Shahid Khan will allow him to spend a fortune in January without at least attempting to balance the books.
But the Fulham fans will expect that, with 10 days to get to know the bulk of his squad – one of the benefits of the international break – they will see a changed, focused and galvanised side against Southampton on November 24.
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