Ranieri - Business As Usual

Last updated : 07 February 2004 By Liam Corbett

Chief executive Peter Kenyon's interview with The London Evening Standard on Friday has caused some pundits to suggest that the Italian is under increased pressure to deliver a major trophy this season.

After spending well over 100 million pounds on superstars such as Seba Veron, Hernan Crespo, Damien Duff and Adrian Mutu, and the constant links with Sven Goran Eriksson, Ranieri has not been allowed once this season to relax in the knowledge his job it totally safe.

Indeed, any chief executive with any ambition is going to make the same call for success on their appointment.

"I want to win but I cannot buy the victory," explained Ranieri.

"The new man says this way, like Abramovich, like me, like everybody. It is normal, not new in football.

"Maybe a Champions League place is success for some people, maybe not for others. For me, every match is success.

"I don't know (about Kenyon's opinions). Ask him.

"It's the same pressure. I continue to work. Everybody can say what they want.

"I continue at work and, at the end, if white is white and black is black, no problem.

"It's nothing new for me."