Blanc stands by Ranieri

Blanc stands by Ranieri
Saturday 22 March, 2008

As Juventus prepare to face leaders Inter in a bitter grudge match, Claudio Ranieri has received public support from general manager Jean-Claude Blanc.

The Coach has been under fire recently with some sections of the media suggesting he will be sacked at the end of this season whether he secures third place or not.

“Ranieri is not under discussion,” general manager Blanc told Sky Italia television.

“I took the responsibility of choosing him for this side, so he will be the Juventus tactician for at least the next two years.

“We can understand that some people have a vested interest in planting the seeds of doubt, but he knows there is faith in him, not just from me, but from the whole Board of Directors.”

There had been reports that Ranieri was told pre-season that the objective was a UEFA Cup spot, but that their early success raised the bar to a Champions League place at minimum.

Tonight’s clash with Inter could further secure that achievement as well as boost confidence in the side after a dour 0-0 draw with Empoli midweek.

“We continue to work with this relaxed view for a project that is in the medium and long-term,” continued Blanc.

“For example, English clubs are successful in Europe now because they have stability and a long-term vision for the team and Coach.”

Juventus now have an eight-point lead over fifth place and a victory at San Siro could sew up Champions League preliminary round qualification.

“There are still quite a few games to play. We can crown all the hard work we have done not only this year, but over the past 20 months from the start of the Serie B season to this match with Inter.”

*channel4