Claudio Ranieri, the seasoned Italian manager renowned for his accomplishments across Europe, recently opened up about where his heart truly lies in football.
Despite his celebrated Premier League triumph with Leicester City, Ranieri insists that Cagliari, the Italian club he helped avoid relegation last season, holds a more profound place in his heart.
“Cagliari is everything to me. My place in the world,” he shared with Corriere della Sera, reflecting on his deep-rooted connection to the club.
“When I first arrived, I was a young coach with no certainties. I spent three amazing years there, from Serie C to Serie A with survival,” he added.
Ranieri initially joined Cagliari in 1988, leading the team from the depths of Serie C to Italy’s top division within two years.
Fast-forward to 2022, and the 73-year-old returned to Sardinia to replicate his earlier success. In his second stint, he once again managed to keep Cagliari in Serie A, a feat he feels immensely proud of.
“I feared I would disappoint people,” he admitted, acknowledging the pressure he felt upon his return.
“I feel a son of that land, but I told myself: don’t be selfish. Cagliari needed me, and I accepted,” he explained, revealing the depth of his loyalty to the Sardinian club.
This connection to Cagliari is so strong that he even stated, “Honestly, to me, Cagliari is more important than Leicester,” despite the historic Premier League title he won with the Foxes in 2016. Ranieri’s improbable success with Leicester brought him global fame, as he led the team to one of football’s most unlikely title wins.
Reflecting on that achievement, Ranieri admitted, “I didn’t think we’d win. I am not a dreamer, and I know how tough the Premier League is.”
During that season, he employed creative methods to keep his squad relaxed, famously promising his players pizza if they could keep a clean sheet.
“We found a place in the heart of Leicester that even allowed us to cook it,” he recalled.
“Amusing nights that helped me to cement the group,” he added, reminiscing about the camaraderie that defined his Leicester squad.
Ranieri’s success in England brought respect but also some criticism, particularly during his time at Chelsea, where he earned the nickname ‘Tinkerman’ for his frequent changes to the lineup.
Reflecting on this moniker, Ranieri said, “It’s an adjective with a double meaning – a blunderer for those who don’t like me and somebody who fixes things for those who stand by my side.”
He explained that his player rotation was a common practice in Italy, though it was less understood in England at the time.
“I had a great time in London. I have a house there, and I often return,” he added, showing that despite the critiques, he holds fond memories of his time in England.
Ranieri has also been linked with a possible return to Roma in a new role, potentially as a technical director. This move could reunite him with former Roma captain Daniele De Rossi, who has recently entered the coaching profession.
“I didn’t expect it. It’s a tricky job,” Ranieri remarked, referring to De Rossi’s new career path.
“The first thing needed is patience,” he added, acknowledging the challenges of managing in football.
“I am sorry he was sacked; he had started a nice project,” he commented, expressing disappointment over De Rossi’s recent managerial setback.
Ranieri, however, chose to remain silent on the speculation about a role at Roma, preferring to focus on his past and present with Cagliari. While recent reports suggest he may join the Roman club if Ivan Juric’s tenure ends, the experienced manager remains non-committal.
Ranieri has also reiterated his openness to potentially managing a national team, though not Italy.
“Let’s see if a national team calls. Not Italy. I’ve got great trust in Spalletti,” he clarified.
For now, Ranieri’s passion remains firmly with Cagliari, a club that has provided him with some of his most cherished memories. Whether his future involves a return to Roma or a new challenge on the international stage, it’s clear his legacy is already firmly etched in the annals of Italian and European football.