"I did not know the name of the next coach but now I know the name. Everybody knows I think. And the winner is . . . "
Although Ranieri's chances of keeping his job are nonexistent he is more confident of overturning last month's 3-1 first-leg defeat in Monaco.
Chelsea have been boosted by the recovery of William Gallas from a fever, particularly important given the absence of his fellow Frenchmen Marcel Desailly, and Claude Makelele through suspension, while Ranieri confirmed that Joe Cole will start in midfield.
He said: "William has recovered which is important for us but Damien Duff and Adrian Mutu are out. William is the fastest defender in the team so it is important he is fit.
"Joe will start tomorrow and it's a good opportunity for him. He has a bright future but he must try to do everything very calmly. That's important for him.
"There will be other chances in the future and this is just a first. He always wants to show me his best because he's only 21 years old. That's normal."
Ranieri has already accepted responsibility for Chelsea's defeat in Monaco, particularly the tactical tinkering that saw his side concede two goals in the last half hour against 10 men, but believes he still has the confidence of his team.
He added: "My players still believe in me and they show me that on the training pitch. I feel a good relationship with them. I am always positive - if I did not think we could win I would stay at home.
"I think Monaco have a foot in the final but we have a last chance.
"We will try to do our best but we need our best performance of this season and their worst. We know that but football is a wonderful game.
"Monaco have a good record of scoring goals away from home so we need a very good performance but I believe in my players."
