Ranieri says Chelsea goodbyes

Claudio Ranieri revealed how he said “goodbye” to his Chelsea players after their 1-0 victory over Leeds – in case he does not get another chance to do so.

The Chelsea coach does not know if this was his final game in charge, so he decided not to waste the opportunity to say goodbye to the fans and the players - who formed a guard of honour for him on the Stamford Bridge pitch after the game which was settled by Jesper Gronkjaer’s 20th minute header.

“I said goodbye just in case I don’t have another opportunity – I decided to take advantage of the chance now,” said Ranieri, who got a rousing reception from more than 41,000 fans.

“When my players clapped me it was very emotional, and when the fans shouted my name.

“I wanted to say thank you very much to the fans for their support all season and I am not surprised by the reception I got because they think it was my last match and they wanted to say goodbye.

“I don’t know what is going to happen now. Now I can only pass the ball to Roman (Abramovich). It was important to try to do my best this season and I think I had a good chance to show what I can do. My plan was right, I have built the foundation and the spirit of the group and everything is right.

“Only an extraordinary Arsenal team finished in front of us and I think we can improve. It was a big step to try and close the gap between us and Arsenal and Manchester United and the gap has been closed.

“With or without me, Chelsea is a good team with character, and I am sad because I would like to enjoy another year to finish my job.”

Leeds did well to keep the score down to just one goal and caretaker manager Kevin Blackwell said the next permanent manager of the club faced a “tall order”.

“Many of the lads who get on that Leeds United team bus will not be going on it again,” said Blackwell.

“If all the players leave who we expect to leave then we’ll have only eight left and that means bringing in 10 to 14 players and integrating them and getting an understanding – they have to learn that they are playing for a massive club.

“It is a tall order for whoever comes in, but I think our facilities are among the top three in the country so we can have a good future.

“The revolving door is still spinning and I am not sure who will be in or out.”