LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 10: Former Leicester City Manager Claudio Ranieri during the lap of the pitch in honour of the clubs late Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha after the Premier League match between Leicester City and Burnley at King Power Stadium on October 10th, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City via Getty Images)
Here’s how Claudio Ranieri could revive a disjointed Fulham
With Ranieri taking over at Fulham, the ex-Leicester coach could bring his style of play to Craven Cottage
Claudio Ranieri has officially taken over as manager at Fulham. The Italian is famous for his storybook run with Leicester, winning the Premier League during the 2015/2016 season. His style of play was fascinating to watch and frustrated even the elite clubs in England.
Ranieri is inheriting a Fulham side that is sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table. Fulham has not recorded a league win since matchday three against Burnley and has lost seven straight since September 29th.
The club is in desperate need of change, so Ranieri is just the right man to bring in. Ranieri could use a similar formula with Fulham if he decides to set up similar to his Leicester side. With a few changes, things could really pan out for the newly promoted club.
One player that could really thrive under Ranieri is Aleksandar Mitrovic. The hardworking Serbian is similar to Shinji Okazaki in that both players run until there is nothing left in the tank. Sticking Mitrovic up top with Luciano Vietto could be the partnership Ranieri starts with.
Sticking with the 442 theme that Ranieri holds dear to, a midfield four of Ryan Sessegnon, Jean Michel Seri, Andre Anguissa, and Andre Shurrle would be ideal. The flat four behind the two dangerous strikers would be able to create plenty of chances out wide while staying well rounded in the middle of the pitch.
The change from the usual 433 would force Tom Cairney out of the midfield, but Ranieri could easily slot him into the flat four instead of Anguissa. He is more of an attacking midfielder, though, so Seri would have much more work to do.
Sticking with the back four of Maxime Le Marchand, Alfie Mawson, Denis Odoi, and Cyrus Christie would not be much of a shock. It would also not be surprising if Ranieri looks to Timothy Fosu-Mensah or veteran Tim Ream to slot into the back four for youth and experience respectively.
The defensive frailties of Fulham have really taken a toll on their points tally. If Ranieri can come in and save the club from relegation, it would be nothing short of a second Premier League miracle for the Italian.
Do you think Ranieri will do well taking over at Fulham?
