Ranieri still uncertain over future

Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri departed for Italy today for his summer holidays admitting he is still in the dark over his future.

Ranieri steered Chelsea to second place in the Barclaycard Premiership but the determination of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich to recruit a top-class coach could spell the end of his time at Stamford Bridge.

Porto boss Jose Mourinho has been tipped to step into the Italian’s shoes after the Champions League final but Ranieri insists he has not been informed of Abramovich’s plans and is disappointed by the uncertainty.

“I don’t know what is happening or what my destiny will be. I’m contracted until 2007. I’ve thanked the players for the season but I don’t know whether I’ll be back and that’s very sad for me,” he told told BBC Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek programme.

“It’s important for me to stay calm and see what happens. If Roman wants me I’ll stay but I think he is waiting for the Champions League final.

“I’m little disappointed with the situation but I can only thank Roman for giving me my job. I really don’t know if it’s open.

“I would like to finish my job at Chelsea. The foundations are laid but the house is not finished. I’m a little sad and frustrated. I don’t know when I’ll hear from him. If something happens then I can fly back this week.”

Ranieri insists he has not yet considered his options should he be given the push and reiterated his determination to keep hold of the Chelsea coaching reins.

“I’m a very loyal man,” he said. “My focus is only on Chelsea. I’ll look elsewhere when someone tells me I’m no longer manager of Chelsea. I’m now off abroad for the summer and will enjoy myself. But I hope to be back.”

Ranieri received a rousing reception after yesterday’s 1-0 defeat of Leeds at Stamford Bridge and he admitted it has been an enjoyable season – despite all the drama which has unfolded at the club.

“Yesterday was fantastic because all the fans shouted my name. The scenes will stay in my memory for all my life. There were no tears this time. I was very brave! But it was very emotional,” he said.

“The best aspect of the season was that the players followed me. I told them this was an important new era for Chelsea so it was important to pull in the same direction. We’ve built the foundations. It was a good season for us.”