As Leicester City celebrate their historic Premier League title triumph and bestow Godlike status on Claudio Ranieri for the way in which the Italian has motivated a team once threatened by relegation into the champions of England, many of them may be blissfully unaware of the fact that the former Chelsea and Juventus manager wasn't their board's first choice to takeover from Nigel Pearson, last Summer.
Ranieri landed the Foxes job after a disastrous four month spell with the Greek national team and wasn't the man many Leicester fans wanted to see in the dugout at the King Power. Of course, Ranieri will likely be given the freedom of the city now he's brought the Premier League title to Leicester and will likely never have to pay for a drink again, however it was almost current interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink who was handed the reigns at the King Power stadium.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, former Russia and PSV manager Hiddink confirmed Leicester's interest in him, but at the time of the approach the Dutch coach was not interested in the position, having just left his role as Netherlands role following a disastrous year long spell in charge of his country.
Advert
"It is true Leicester asked me [to be their coach] for this season. I do not regret that I said yes to Chelsea."
While Hiddink is a successful and well respected manager, it is unlikely he would have brought the same triumphs to Leicester City as Ranieri and has instead struggled to reverse Chelsea's fading fortunes this season during his second interim spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.
(H/T Metro)
Advert
Featured Image Credit:
Topics: Leicester City, Claudio Ranieri, Chelsea, Football, Premier League