Tough coach with a charming streak
Claudio Ranieri has signed a three-year deal as the new coach of Juventus, the club announced on Monday.
Here are some key facts on Ranieri:
EARLY LIFE:
Born in October 1951 in Rome, he began his soccer career as a defender with Roma, Catanzaro and Catania (five years in Serie A). His first coaching job was with amateur side Vigor Lamezia in 1985.
RANIEIRI AS COACH:
In his homeland, the Italian began his managerial career with Campania before guiding Cagliari from the third division into Serie A between 1989 and 1991. His next move was to Napoli, where he was unable to bring success.
Ranieri was then appointed Fiorentina manager and led the club into Serie A in 1994, tasting Italian Cup and Super Cup glory in 1996.
He then moved to Spain with Valencia, adding the 1999 Spanish Cup to his honours list. He was credited with laying the foundations for the side that reached the 2000 Champions League final.
He left Valencia and took on the onerous task of managing Atletico Madrid in mid-1999. His tenure at the troubled club was short and he left after they went into administration in March 2000.
CHELSEA STINT:
Ranieri replaced Gianluca Vialli at Chelsea in September 2000. Ranieri guided Chelsea into sixth place in the league in his first season, helping them to qualify for the UEFA Cup.
In his third season, although Chelsea were unable to break the stranglehold of the top two teams, the club earned a Champions League qualifying round place with a final-day victory over their rivals for fourth spot, Liverpool.
After new Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich took over in July 2003, Ranieri suffered constant speculation over his future. Despite this he steered Chelsea to second in the championship, their highest position for 49 years, and to the Champions League semi-finals where they were beaten by Monaco.
He was however sacked in May 2004.
THE MAN:
Ranieri's training sessions are known to be tough, while his style of play demands fitness and a strong work ethic.
His public persona is that of the classic Italian "Mister", the strict tactician who demands total respect, but "off duty" he is charming and gregarious and he is widely respected within the Italian game.
Agencies
(China Daily 06/06/2007 page24)
