Claudio Ranieri should've been smart enough to have his bags packed within five minutes after the whistle blew in Piraeus, singling full time in Greece's 1-0 defeat to Faroe Islands. Less than three hours later, the Hellenic Football Federation had made it clear they wanted the coach gone. Yet Ranieri made it equally clear that he intended to stay on.
Claudio Ranieri sacked after Greece lose to Faroe Islands
Perhaps it’s time for the Italian to take a nice long holiday.
The 63-year-old no longer has any say in the matter. The EPO have terminated his contract, although he will stay on through the friendly match against Serbia on Tuesday. Then Ranieri will now be seeking employment elsewhere. Back to Italy, perhaps?
Friday's defeat to Faroe Islands was only the tiny straw that broke the massive camel's back. Greece, Euro victors a decade ago, have just one point from four qualifying matches, putting them last in Group F. They've scored just one goal while conceding five, much worse than Fernando Santos did at the World Cup. Sure, there Greece scored just two goals in the group stages, but at least they made the knockouts for the first time.
It's thought that another Italian, Giovanni Trapattoni -- most recently seen managing the Republic of Ireland -- might step into Ranieri's shoes. Meanwhile, fans of Serie A teams will be desperately hoping Ranieri doesn't wash up at their club. Two wins in 13, anyone?
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