Claudio Ranieri has etched his name in the annals of English football history, delivering one of the greatest fairy tales with Leicester City in 2016. Yet, the Italian maestro is remembered not just for the silverware but for his unique sense of humour and vibrant quotes that turned press conferences into entertainment.
Here’s a collection of the most memorable and amusing remarks from Claudio Ranieri during his time in England:
1. On the nickname “Tinkerman”
I cannot change. I'm like Frank Sinatra – I always do it my way. I told the players that everything I did in the match against Monaco was wrong. I changed everything to win the match, but we lost, and I thought: 'Oh dear, Claudio, why, why? Bad Tinkerman!'
2. On Roman Abramovich and Chelsea transfers
One beautiful day, a glorious day, Mr Abramovich introduced himself to me and said I had to make a shopping list.
3. The Christmas bell at Leicester
From the very beginning, when something went wrong, I would say: 'Dili-ding, dili-dong, wake up, wake up!' So for Christmas, I bought all the players and staff a little bell. It was just a joke.
4. On Damien Duff and his mum
Damien is Damien. When I don't include him in the squad, my 84-year-old mum asks: 'Why isn't Damien playing?' She's always on my case about it, and that’s the honest truth.
5. The Mary Poppins philosophy
Football managers are like parachutists. Sometimes it doesn’t open. Here it’s an umbrella. You understand, Mary Poppins?
6. On Carlton Cole
Two years ago, I watched Carlton play for the reserves and saw two animals in him – one was a rabbit and the other a lion. I want that lion to wake up more often.
7. Pizza for a solid defence
I told them: if you keep a clean sheet, I will buy pizza for everyone. They seem to be waiting for me to offer hot dogs too.
8. On Chelsea's squad depth
If you really only need your starting eleven and three or four more players, then why did Christopher Columbus sail to India to discover America?
9. Comparing Leicester to a movie hero
Listen, I'm very confident because if Leicester survived in the last two months last season, our stamina is fantastic. Why can’t we keep running, running, running? We are like Forrest Gump. Leicester is Forrest Gump.
10. On a potential film portrayal
Robert De Niro would be perfect. I've heard he’s interested in playing me.
11. On Jamie Vardy
This isn’t just a footballer. This is a fantastic horse.
12. Mum as the main technical advisor
My only technical advisor is my mum. When I told her Damien injured his shoulder again, she said, 'Oh no!' Who should replace him? I might call her before the match and ask.
13. Rumours of his dismissal from Chelsea
I have to thank the press because now you’re doing a great job. Before you finish me off! That crazy man! I’ll treat you to a good espresso. A small one. I'm Scottish!
