Tinkerman now decides he’s staying

CHELSEA MANAGER Claudio Ranieri performed another spectacular U-turn last night as he refused to accept that he is on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

He believes owner Roman Abramovich needs to add just a couple more pieces to his expensively-assembled jigsaw to put the club in a position to end Arsenal and Manchester United's supremacy of English football and would dearly love to be part of it.

While Porto coach Jose Mourinho is widely expected to replace the Italian at the end of the season, Ranieri insisted his departure is not the foregone conclusion many believe.

"I think I have done a very good job here. The plan is good. I started to build, the foundations are strong and the spirit of the group is strong.

"I have three years of the contract so why cannot I finish the job? I'd like to but I'm not the owner."

Asked if he would still be at Chelsea at the start of next season he maintained: "I hope, I would like to finish the job. I believe, I believe.

"Me and the players have made a very great job this season. I think this is a great group and with this group to change something, but not much, you can do better next season. I try to improve every season from last season, that is my way."

Reflecting on the European setback which saw Chelsea surrender the two-goal second-leg lead which would have taken them to the final, he said: "It isn't important if, if, if. We are out of the Champions League. Now the target is to finish the Premiership as runners-up to Arsenal.

Meanwhile Alex Ferguson has repeated Ruud van Nistelrooy is going nowhere, despite fresh reports linking the Dutchman with Real Madrid.

Senior figures within the Red Devils camp have dismissed the rumour, while Ferguson again insisted the 27-year-old was staying where he is.

"I did what I had to do last week about relieving the supporters' minds," said the United chief.

"The position is exactly the same. Ruud van Nistelrooy will still be here next year."

If that wasn't enough, Ferguson also revealed his 26-goal front-man was part of an almost fully fit squad for today's encounter with Chelsea.

Victory would reduce the gap to a single point ahead of the final round of matches, yet even that possibility is not enough to persuade Ferguson that his side will finish second.

"Second spot is beyond us," he said. "Chelsea play Leeds in their last game, and given the general despondency around Elland Road, you would have to think they will win.

"Even if we finish third, at least we will have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League, which is something other clubs won't, but it does make a difference to our preparations for next season.

"If any of our players are involved in the European Championship final, they will not be finished until July 4, so we will have to give a lot of thought to what they do in pre-season. It won't be easy but we will have to find a way round it."

Even Arsene Wenger refuses to believe that United will sell van Nistelrooy as it would be too embarrassing for Ferguson.

Wenger, who refuses to sell Thierry Henry to Real, declared: "You don't sell your best players. I would be surprised if United sold van Nistelrooy for two reasons.

"Firstly, because he extended his contract this year. Secondly, because they have come out together to say that both parties are happy to keep it going. Once you make that step, you know that you are committed publicly in an official statement.

"Manchester United are a serious club and you can't imagine for a second that a serious club would [go back on] that. With David Beckham, they never did that. It would be embarrassing for them."

"It can happen between two big clubs when the player really wants to go, but van Nistelrooy has come out and said he wants to stay.

"I expect Manchester United to be strong next season, no matter what happens, but I still do not expect van Nistelrooy to leave."