Claudio Ranieri is set to pay the price for Monacos trophy-less season by being axed as coach at the end of the season. The principality club are looking for a new boss as they prepare to make a concerted challenge to the growing dominance in France of Paris Saint-Germain, as well as establish themselves as a force in Europe. Ranieri, who took over in 2012, steered Monaco to promotion to Ligue 1 in his first season at the helm and they currently lie second in the top flight. However, their French Cup semi-final defeat to Guingamp on Wednesday night means they will end the campaign without a major honour. The Monaco hierarchy, led by Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev, have decided to dispense with Ranieri as they set their sights on a coach who can make even more of the clubs vast resources. With Rybolovlevs backing, a huge recruitment drive has brought a series of marquee players to the Stade Louis II, including Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho, Dimitar Berbatov, Jeremy Toulalan, James Rodriguez, Ricardo Carvalho and Eric Abidal. The Monaco board had hoped that the team could present a greater challenge to league leaders PSG, who are 10 points clear in Ligue 1 with five matches remaining. Ranieris job will be regarded as a plum post around Europe, with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who represents Falcao, Moutinho, Rodriguez and Carvalho, expected to be an influential voice in the selection of a successor.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Apr 2014 07:19:46 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015