Newly-appointed Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri says that sorting out the club’s defence is paramount for him. Fulham appointed Ranieri as the club’s manager yesterday, sacking Slavisa Jokanovic who coincidentally was Ranieri’s first signing at Chelsea in 2000. Fulham is Raneri’s 3rd Premier League club in his 32-year long managerial career.
Ranieri joins Fulham at a very difficult time as they are 20th in the Premier League with only 5 points. Ranieri has said that his first priority is to set right Fulham’s defence. The Cottagers have conceded 31 goals in just 12 Premier League matches, conceding an average of 2.58 goals per game.
The 67-year old said, “As an Italian manager, for us the defensive way is the best for the team. It is important to have a strong vision of the defence – not just the full-backs or goalkeeper, all the team. For me, team spirit is important but I know there is a good group. The fighting spirit is very important. I hope our fans push us and we need their strength. We need their support always. We will never give up.”
Ranieri’s first match as Fulham manager is on next Saturday against Southampton.
