Ranieri can't speak English and has won just one Cup - Mourinho mocks ex- Chelsea boss

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has criticised Claudio Ranieri, saying that the Leicester City manager still has trouble speaking English.

Ranieri, who spoke very limited English at the time, took charge at Stamford Bridge back in 2000, but was replaced by Mourinho four years later after failing to win a trophy despite heavy investment.

Mourinho immediately led Chelsea to two consecutive Premier League titles and three domestic cups following Ranieri's reign before leaving for Inter Milan in 2007.

Ranieri went on to coach the likes of Valencia, Juventus and Roma before returning to English football in the summer to replace Nigel Pearson.

The Italian has made an impressive start to life at the King Power Stadium as the Foxes sit fifth in the Premier League standings with just one defeat.

But that hasn't stopped criticism coming from Mourinho, who has come under increasing pressure himself this season as the champions languish in 16th place.The Portuguse mocked the 63-year-old's grasp of the English language and lack of trophies.

“He (Ranieri) has lived for five years in England and still has trouble saying good morning and good afternoon,” Mourinho said.


“He is almost 70, and he has won a Super Cup and another small cup. He’s too old to change mentality.”

Whilst Mourinho won the league last season, the Portuguese’s job is arguably under more pressure than Ranieri’s at present.

Chelsea have started the season in disastrous fashion, to the extent that they are currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League title.

Chelsea’s defeat at home to Southampton last weekend was their fourth in the Premier League so far this season, with Mourinho’s side having struggled greatly in terms of cohesion.

Midfielders Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas, whose partnership was the bedrock of last season’s title success, have under-performed, whilst captain John Terry has made several high-profile errors and lost his place in the side for several games.

The Blues have also struggled in an attacking sense whilst Diego Costa has been missing through suspension.

After the international break Chelsea return to action at home to Aston Villa.