Tinkerman’s time
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Claudio Ranieri’s appointment as Juventus Coach has mainly been met with enthusiasm. However, as Richard Godden of Calcio Italia magazine explains, it could be the Tinkerman’s last chance to shine at a big club after failing to come up with the goods at Chelsea and Valencia
There are few Coaches in the football world who are as popular as Claudio Ranieri. His sacking at Chelsea in 2004, although expected, was met with disdain by most sections of the Blues’ faithful, despite the fact that the Rome-born tactician failed to deliver a major trophy to the Stamford Bridge outfit after several big spending years. It has been a common trait in Ranieri’s career though, as the Coppa Italia and Coppa del Rey are his only major honours in over two decades as a Coach.
His first spell with Valencia was impressive enough, but it was only after he departed for Atletico Madrid that Los Che stepped up a level to challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid for League and European honours. Returning to the Mestalla proved ill-fated as he lasted just six months, having taken on Rafa Benitez’s La Liga and UEFA Cup winning side. However, after working miracles at Parma last term to ensure that the Gialloblu will still be a top-flight side this season he has been handed a chance with Italy’s biggest club. It’s an opportunity he cannot afford to let slip.
The Tinkerman epitomises the saying 'nice guys finish last’. His strange musings make him popular with the Press and fans alike, while true calcio fanatics appreciate the way he accepts both victory and defeat in the same manner. Although these undoubtedly proved to be crucial factors in Juventus’ decision to appoint him, the Old Lady demands success – she always has done, and she always will do.
Unfortunately for Ranieri, the squad at his disposal is not up to the quality of either Milan outfit. If he keeps his star men fit – especially Gigi Buffon, who looks set for the biggest test of his credentials this term – then they’ll have every chance of finishing in a Champions League spot. But much will also depend on how some of the new boys settle in. Aside from Tiago, none of them know what it is like to represent a massive club. If the newcomers struggle as much as Nicola Legrottaglie did in 2003-04 after his move from Chievo then it could be a long year for Juve.
On the flip side, it can be argued that this is a chance for some of the so-called lesser stars and Ranieri to shine in the big time. The tactician is a hard-but-fair boss who tends to get the best out of the sort of players he has in his squad – men who have great ability and ambition, minus the ego. He also works well with younger players – many credit him with making Frank Lampard and John Terry the stars they are today – and his best season in London was arguably in the face of adversity when the money dried up before anyone had even heard the name Roman Abramovich.
At the age of 56, it’s unlikely that Ranieri will ever be handed such a big job as this ever again. It’s up to him to make sure that he doesn’t blow it, but if he can manage to steady the ship for one season then there’s every chance that he’ll be at the helm to launch a serious Scudetto and Champions League assault in 2007-08.
Channel 4