Claudio Ranieri hits the reset button as Fulham begin fight for Premier League survival

Fulham are three points from safety but Ranieri insists he can keep them up.
Action Images via Reuters
Joe Krishnan22 November 2018

Fulham coach Claudio Ranieri has called on his players to wipe the slate clean as they begin their quest to survive relegation.

The Cottagers are currently rock-bottom of the Premier League and three points from safety after a dismal run of six straight defeats, despite a summer transfer spend of over £100 million.

Owner Shahid Khan made the decision to replace manager Slavisa Jokanovic with experienced coach Ranieri, who famously won the league title with Leicester City in 2016, before the international break.

And the Italian, who takes charge of his first game at home to Southampton on Saturday, wants a fresh start as he begins a monumental task in rescuing the club from relegation

"[We need to] clean everything and restart," he told reporters ahead of the game.

"Today I said this, restart every time, we can win, lose, clean and restart tomorrow. Forget the past.

Ranieri takes charge of his first game as Fulham boss.
AFP/Getty Images

"I show to them some videos from the previous game [the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool] and I said what is right and what is wrong.

"One thing is to watch, but after we have been on the pitch to repeat the movement and slowly, slowly they get better.

"I think now it is important to not think about miracles, but think about a lot of battles and be ready together. I repeat, together. The club, the players, the fans.

"We must be calm and continue to work because it's not possible to change everything in one night. It's important to get points but it's important to maintain our mentality, never give up."

Fulham lost 2-0 to Liverpool in Jokanovic's last game in charge
EPA

Ranieri became known as the 'Tinkerman' for his consistent squad rotation while he was in charge of Chelsea and the 67-year-old has not ruled out chopping and changing again to get the best out of his squad.

"I am Tinkerman but I tinker clever," he added.

"It's important to maintain the same lineup for some matches but you never know. I want everybody available and then I can choose.

In Pictures | Liverpool vs Fulham | 11/11/2018

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"This Fulham squad has exceptional talent that is contrary to its position in the table. We will be safe, I am sure."

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