He added that the negative publicity had only given the team an extra incentive for tomorrow's match at Stamford Bridge. Terry said: "We're going to go out there and do a job for the manager. A lot of us owe him a lot. It's made us more determined. Claudio has done a fantastic job this season, built a great team spirit and everything's been brilliant."
Ranieri admitted he was in a strange position. "Yes, but all the rumours aren't new," he said. "When I came here on the 3rd of July there have been rumours ever since and I continue in my job."
But he is concerned about the affect on the players.
"I hope it is not a distraction.The players were okay in training but every day they see this and that - it must have an effect eventually."
Having yesterday dismissed the rumours, Ranieri demanded someone within the club should "come out and defend us against all this rubbish."
This was later answered by Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon although the statement stopped short of unequivocal backing.
Kenyon said: "This wave of unprecedented and continuous media speculation about Claudio's future and false links to other managers is unhelpful to our manager and the players in the build-up to an important match.
"We will not add to this speculation by responding and only wish to reiterate that Claudio Ranieri has over three years to run on his contract. It's important we all work together to maintain our challenge for honours."
.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&quality=75&auto=webp&width=320&crop=8:5,smart)
