Ranieri: Grant finished unless he wins final
Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri fears reaching the Champions League final will not save Avram Grant’s job unless he beats Manchester United in Moscow.
Italian coach Ranieri was sacked in 2004 when owner Roman Abramovich decided to bring in Jose Mourinho from Porto and while Grant was chosen to succeed Mourinho early this season, speculation persists that he will be ousted this summer.
The Blues last night secured their place in the European Cup final on May 21 with an extra-time victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge and Ranieri, now coach of Serie A giants Juventus, was pleased for the Israeli coach.
“I think Grant deserved this victory,” Ranieri told BBC Radio Five Live.
However, asked what will happen if Chelsea fail to win in the final, the Italian said: “This is a difficult answer but I think if Grant doesn’t win, I think he’s finished in the job.
“I think if Grant wins something, then okay, maybe he’ll continue, but if not...I don’t know the mind of Roman Abramovich, it’s very difficult to know what he thinks.
“It is the first (European Cup) final of Chelsea’s history, going to Moscow, it’s fantastic for him. He’ll be very, very proud.
“It’s a great achievement for English football.”
Ranieri could return to the Premier League one day but insists he is happy at Juve for now.
“Why not?” he said. “Now I have a very good job here at Juve. We are rebuilding the story of this great club. I hope to win something here.”
