CUDDLY PETE

Last updated : 12 October 2004 By editor

" I did not win the Champions League last season, but something special happened in England. I understood it when we played our last away match - at Manchester United. Both at the beginning, when I was walking to the bench, and then again at the end the Manchester fans applaud me with real emotion. This is amazing. How the English people link with me is incredible. It was even more powerful in my last game at Chelsea. I could feel it so strongly."

"I don't think Peter Kenyon will ever know that feeling ..."

Ranieri's contempt for Kenyon is plain.

"I think Roman is a strong man. Kenyon is different. He is not a fantastic person."

"Oh Peter Kenyon! He gave me fantastic emotion! When he came the atmosphere outside the dressing room changed. Kenyon did this with one interview. Roman never said: 'Claudio, you must win to survive.' Kenyon said that as soon as he arrives. He was not speaking for Roman. This was just a reflection of Kenyon. So people say: 'Who do we like? Ranieri or Kenyon?' This is great for me. It is no contest. Suddenly everyone is with me. The whole nation is with me. Thank you Peter Kenyon!"

After Chelsea beat Arsenal in an emotional Champions League quarter-final, Ranieri and Abramovich hugged in delight. "I was happy to share this with Roman. But I could not embrace Kenyon. A handshake is all I give him. I made a point of that. You see, I wanted to finish my job at Chelsea. I start with the foundation and then the first floor and second floor before we reach the roof garden."

Well you get the drift.