MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 01:02:48| >> :120:13603:13603:

Claudio Ranieri's Fulham in-tray

What is waiting for the former Chelsea and Leicester boss when he walks into his new job at Craven Cottage?

Claudio Ranieri is back in the Premier League after being appointed as the new manager of Fulham, replacing Slavisa Jokanovic.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at the challenges ahead for the former Chelsea and Leicester boss as he walks into his new job at Craven Cottage.

Get some points on the board – and quickly

It may be stating the obvious, but Jokanovic paid the price for failing to convert promising performances into cold, hard points, with only one victory and two draws from the first 12 Premier League matches. With out-of-form Southampton first up at Craven Cottage following the international break, avoiding a seventh successive league defeat would be a good way for Ranieri to start.

Settle on a number one

Spaniard Sergio Rico found himself between the posts for the final few games of Jokanovic's reign, with 'number one' Marcus Bettinelli left warming the bench. Called up again for the England squad, the 26-year-old will be hoping a change in management could see his recall – and if Ranieri is to move the team forwards, keeping clean sheets will be key.

Get Mitrovic firing again

Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic. (
Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the new season in good form. (John Walton/PA Images)

After impressing during the opening weeks of the new campaign, the last of Aleksandar Mitrovic's six Premier League goals came at the end of September. The Serbian, though, who made his move from Newcastle permanent in the summer, remains a handful for defenders and securing the right supply line will be crucial.

Live up to your reputation

Fulham chairman Shahid Khan said Ranieri was a "risk-free and ready-made" replacement after handing the "extraordinary football man" a "multi-year" contract. Following some time out after he was sacked by Leicester, Ranieri took charge of French club Nantes in June 2017, but left at the end of the season. The 67-year-old may bring a wealth of Premier League experience, but, should he fail to make an impact, some tough questions will be asked.

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Press Association Sport staff');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', '29757586-4a2f-48cb-9502-957d5eb93573');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:club-news,paservice:sport:football,paservice:sport:uk');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:football');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'Claudio Ranieri\u2019s Fulham in-tray'});

ID:341547: cacheID:341547:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7306:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Claudio Ranieri pictured in November 2018
Read Next:
Claudio Ranieri's memorable quotes
>
Read more about Claudio Ranieri Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!