Claudio is upbeat about his future

14 April 2012

Claudio Ranieri today laughed off renewed speculation surrounding his future following lengthy talks with Roman Abramovich.

The Chelsea owner spent 40 minutes talking to players and management in the dressing room after the 1-0 home defeat by Liverpool and it took Ranieri 90 minutes to emerge for his post-match press conference.

The presence of Sven-Goran Eriksson in the crowd will have also reminded Abramovich of his future options.

A source close to Abramovich said: "Roman wasn't happy about losing, but he's a big boy and can take it. However, we're probably not going to win the league now."

Liverpool's first Premiership win at Stamford Bridge, sealed by a first-half goal from Bruno Cheyrou, means that Chelsea are now seven points behind leaders Manchester United but a relaxed Ranieri insisted: "You will still be seeing me for a long time.

"Roman's mood has not changed and after every match we have a meeting. When I came back from an interview he was in the dressing room with the players, but don't worry it's normal. You will see me tomorrow."

Last night's defeat was Chelsea's third defeat in five Premiership games and they have won just two of their last seven matches in all competitions.

Ranieri believes his pre-season prediction that Chelsea are not good enough to win the league has been proved right and asked for more time to take his team to the level of Arsenal and Manchester United.

He added: "We're experiencing some bad moments but it's not a crisis. I'm not worried, but I am not happy. I said at the start of the season that we were not at the same level as Arsenal and Manchester United and now you are seeing why.

"It's easy for me to say that I want to fight for the title but it's not true. I am fighting to build a team."

Hernan Crespo, who limped off after just 12 minutes, is likely to be out for several weeks with a calf injury.

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