Claudio “The Tinkerman” Ranieri was called in to turn things around at Inter Milan and halt their distressing run of form – four defeats and a draw in their last five games.
He was fondly nicknamed the “Tinkerman” by the English football media due to his seemingly addictive propensity to rotate – and tinker – with his starting eleven for the Chelsea side that he managed – even when they were doing well.
Of course, this made a mockery of the old English football adage, “Never change a winning team”.
After Russian billionaire – Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003, Ranieri was given half a season in-charge and was subsequently replaced by his bitter rival and nemesis – the one and only Jose Mourinho.
When talking of Ranieri, we can’t help but think of similarities between “The Tinkerman” and the old Chinese fable – “Wuyan – The Ugly Empress” – who the Emperor would only call upon for her advice and offer his affections in times of trouble.
But when times were good, Wuyan was shamefully cast aside by the Emperor in favour of younger and better looking courtesans.
Ranieri never seems to be the first choice for the prestigious coaching positions with the big European clubs when there are vacancies.
Yet, when these clubs fall into crisis with their new high profile managers, who do they call to get them out of the shit?
Yes, “The Tinkerman”.
Since leaving the Blues in 2004, he has taken his salvaging skills to Valencia, Parma, Juventus, Roma and now Inter Milan …
He’s not high profile, nor is he handsome or charismatic.
In all honesty, he might even seem a little boring.
But he is bloody effective.
Inter beat Bologna 3 – 1 away on Saturday night and “The Tinkerman” has already started to turn things around for the Blue half of the San Siro.
How long will our “Wuyan Tinkerman” be given at the San Siro?
Your guess is as good as ours.
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