CotswoldFox Posted 17 March 2017 Posted 17 March 2017 Just finished writing my take on Ranieri's exit and his contribution to last season's success. Would be keen to hear people's reaction. For those that are interested, here it is: What Leicester City Football Club achieved last season was nothing less than a sporting miracle and will live long in the memory of Leicester fans and football as a whole. The past few seasons have been an incredible journey, from seemingly nailed on relegation to Premier League champions. However, up until very recently the most recent chapter had been at risk of turning that dream into a nightmare. Following a victorious defeat in Seville, King Claudio was sacked by Thai owners Vichai and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha. What followed was a scathing attack on the club by football fans and pundits alike with even some Leicester supporters coming out in protest. Claims of players purposefully underperforming in an attempt to force Ranieri from the club were rife. Anger was stoked further by suggestions that players had met with the owners in a bid to oust the Italian. It was as though poor Claudio had been betrayed by his players and thrown under a blame bus driven by Filbert Fox himself. The man who had single handedly delivered the Premier League trophy cast aside as a scapegoat. Criticism of the club was deafening. Yet, was this really such an injustice? Was Ranieri even the key factor in Leicester’s title triumph? Surprise defending champions or not, lying seventeenth and just one point above the relegation zone is alarming, even more so when you consider recent defeats to Swansea, Burnley and League One Millwall. This season Ranieri reverted to his tinkering ways both in terms of personnel and tactics. His changes didn’t work. Performances lacked a clear plan with players unsure of themselves, their jobs and low on confidence. Leicester were in a downward spiral under Ranieri and destined for the Championship. Whilst Claudio’s changes proved problematic, players too must accept some responsibility for poor performances. Too many big names have gone missing and they should be disappointed with the level they’ve hit in the league. However, claims that players weren’t trying and conspired to get rid of Ranieri are complete nonsense and came largely from distant onlookers and keyboard warriors. The effort was there; the game plan and execution were not. One aspect of Claudio that can never been questioned is his conduct as the perfect gentleman. His approachable and jovial nature made him football’s favourite guy and he was the master of the press conference throughout his time at Leicester. He continuously fought to take the spotlight off the players and alleviate pressure. Combined with his accomplished man management skills, Ranieri’s conduct played an important role as he helped guide the Foxes to glory. It is no surprise then that the sacking of such a charming man was met with a big backlash. But you cannot simply continue to employ someone based on past achievements or because they’re ‘a really nice guy’, the current job has to be done well, too. Owners mustn’t allow personal sentiment to influence their decisions. They have a responsibility to the fans to act in the club’s best interests. And in this instance, as brutal as it was, the sacking of Claudio was justified. He had to go. The abrupt end to Ranieri’s reign continues to be met with hostility by many. And to some it almost seems that the Italian won the league all by himself. Yet, this would do a great disservice to the players and many others. Yes, Ranieri was important, but so were many other factors. Although a seemingly forgotten figure now, Nigel Pearson guided Leicester from League One to Premier League survival. Whilst he lacked Ranieri’s diplomacy at times, he and his assistants built the current squad from the ground up. Craig Shakespeare, Steve Walsh and Mike Stowell all played massive parts in the recruitment and development of this title winning team. The work of Steve Walsh has been well documented as he scouted the likes of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kanté. It was only through Walsh’s persistence that he convinced Ranieri to sign Kanté, a player Ranieri deemed too small. The Frenchman was one of the biggest factors in Leicester’s success, doing the work of two men in midfield. Now a key player at Chelsea, Kanté looks certain to win a second Premier League trophy in May. Whilst Demarai Gray and Daniel Amartey also arrived during Ranieri’s tenure, credit for the recruitment and development of his famous Foxes must go to his assistants and predecessor. Momentum was undoubtedly another central factor explaining last season’s success. This didn’t begin in July following Ranieri’s arrival, but back in April 2015 when Leicester beat West Ham 2-1 to embark on ‘The Great Escape’. Seven wins in their last nine games, culminating in a final day 5-1 demolition of QPR, saw the Foxes finish comfortably mid-table. This ‘never say die’ attitude and togetherness of the players was carried right the way through for thirteen months with numerous startling comebacks. When combined with the avoidance of injuries and many players hitting the form of their lives, Leicester rode this wave of positivity all the way to the title. Ranieri may have nurtured this momentum and team spirit, but he didn’t start it. And as the last three games have shown, it didn’t depart with him either. Perhaps one of Ranieri’s greatest contributions to Leicester’s success was his decision to not change much on his arrival. It’s very easy for a new manager to swan into a new club and instantly try to force through his own way of doing things. But instead, Claudio recognised that he was joining a club with a very positive outlook and under his guidance just let things run. His ‘tinkerman’ label soon looked out of place as he went on to make the fewest changes to any Premier League starting eleven. He continued the 4-4-2 counter attacking system where everyone knew their job and he relied upon the same consistent players to execute it. Although Ranieri brought in a couple of his own people, he essentially worked with the same staff as the Pearson era and again received widespread praise for changing very little. Claudio inherited a talented squad with a winning mentality, accomplished staff, supportive owners and a dedicated fan base. He martialed Leicester to success, but all the tools were there upon arrival. Claudio Ranieri will always be held in the highest regard at Leicester City Football Club. Without him, the Foxes certainly wouldn’t have won their incredible Premier League title. However, for last season’s achievement to take place the very stars themselves had to align, everything went their way. Change one little detail and none of it could have come to pass. No one is looking to take anything away from Claudio, he’s worked and waited a long time for his ultimate success. But there is a pressing need to more fairly redistribute credit where it’s due. The players, Shakespeare, Walsh, Stowell and Pearson all merit increased recognition. Whilst it was sad to see King Claudio go, it wasn’t the Shakespearean tragedy that was painted. Last year’s champions were hanging above the drop, in terrible form and only heading in one direction. The club is now in better shape to fight for survival and ultimately that’s all that matters. Whether Leicester will stay up remains to be seen, but a recent revival would suggest the right decision was made. Claudio Ranieri is gone, but not forgotten and it should be remembered that he is still very much alive, charming and we wish him all the best. The Death of King Claudio.docx
Merging Cultures Posted 17 March 2017 Posted 17 March 2017 I didn't realise Ranieri died. No wonder Shakespeare had to take over.
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