Claudio Ranieri says fans matter in 'European Super League' talks
Friday 4 March 2016 17:08, UK
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri says football supporters should be the only consideration when discussing a potential European Super League.
The Relevant Sports chairman, Charlie Stillitano, held talks with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United on Tuesday about this year's International Champions Cup (ICC), an annual pre-season friendly tournament.
Stillitano also confirmed they discussed 'restructuring the Champions League' - an issue high on the European Club Association agenda - and he has since discussed the idea of closing off European football competitions to include only elite clubs.
With Leicester currently top of the Premier League and in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history, Ranieri insisted the 'big clubs' would only have themselves to blame if they fail to qualify for Europe's elite competition this season and in the future.
"This is sport, no? I understand they want to do something, but if something strange happens, they shouldn't blame the little teams, they should blame themselves," Ranieri said.
"[Talk surrounding a Super League] is speculation. They are trying to do something, but I think people must think about what fans want, not only about money, because the culture and the fans are more important than other things.
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"I think they wouldn't start [a Super League] next season, but then something could happen. Maybe next time [Relevent] will have to also call our sporting director!"
United manager Louis van Gaal also spoke out against a possible European Super League and claimed he has never been a supporter of plans to form an elite league made up of Europe's biggest clubs.
"Everybody knows, when you follow my career, that I am against all the super leagues and something like that," he said.
"Sport is to be the best and also when the Champions League was [expanding], I said it was rubbish because now the second, third and fourth team is also playing.
"It has to be between champions in my opinion. I said that 20 years ago and I say it now again.
"I think sport is to win, not to be second or third."
Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink appeared to support Ranieri and Van Gaal in suggesting qualification for Europe's elite competition should be based on sporting success rather than financial might.
"I think we must all be careful to go into exclusivity when teams like this year surprisingly Leicester is mixing in," he said.
"They have the full right to be where they are now and are a good contender for the next Champions League this year."
Asked if the top clubs were spooked by the success of Leicester, Hiddink added: "I hope so. Why not? That's real sport. We must not forget what it's all about in sport."
UEFA is aware of the threat of a breakaway competition but remains confident the continent's elite clubs will remain committed to the Champions League.
