Ranieri's Rants: Arsenal (FA Cup)

Last updated : 15 February 2004 By Rich Godden
Claudio said "I am curious to speak to my players to find out what happened, but I didn't speak to them after the game and I shall probably wait until after the international break because if I do it now they might forget it.

"In the second half I expected more fight but maybe we lost the plot and the second half wasn't good for us. The first half was good for us but at half-time I told them they had to be careful for the first 15 minutes because Arsenal would want at least a draw.

"But we put ourselves under pressure and our first mistake was to give too much space to Reyes who was able to control and shoot.

"I don't know how to beat Arsenal but we shall carry on trying. We have another match against them next Saturday and I hope this is not a mental problem. At half-time I felt positive about our chances of beating them, and this was a wasted opportunity.

"I am not angry with my players because they wanted to do their best and win today, but I must speak to them about the second half."