Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri must pick a defence, choose a No1 and get Aleksandar Mitrovic on side if Cottagers are to survive
Having replaced Slavisa Jokanovic, the Italian has much to do
CLAUDIO Ranieri has arrived at Fulham with a packed inbox to deal with.
The Cottagers are bottom of the league, shipping goals at a record rate and now can’t even score at the other end.
Here we take a look at what Ranieri must address if Fulham are to avoid making a swift return to the Championship.
Pick a defence and stick with it
Part of the frustration with Slavisa Jokanovic was his inability to settle on a regular defence.
Not once did he name the same back line which undoubtedly played its part in Fulham conceding 31 goals in 12 games.
Known as the Tinkerman for chopping and changing at Chelsea, Ranieri found title-winning success at Leicester with a team that virtually never changed.
He'll do well to remember that, pick a defence and stick with it.
Choose a No1
Jokanovic used THREE different goalkeepers this season.
Fabri, who signed from Besiktas for £5m in the summer, was given just two game before being dropped.
Next up was Marcus Bettinelli whose performances earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Despite that, Jokanovic turned to Sevilla loanee Sergio Rico for his final four games.
Ranieri needs to get rid of the uncertainty and have a clear No1.
Keeps his fingers crossed with injuries
Injuries seriously hurt Jokanovic, with captain and driving force in the Fulham side Tom Cairney managing to start just five game.
Full-backs Joe Bryan and Tim Fosu-Mensah have also been on the treatment table and big-money signing Alfie Mawson arrived unfit.
Ranieri must hope he doesn’t suffer any more injury blows to what is a paper-thin squad.
Get Aleksandar Mitrovic on side
Jokanovic’s close relationship with countryman Aleksandar Mitrovic was credited for bringing the best out of the Serbian striker.
His five goals in the first six games of the season provided hope Fulham could thrive this season.
But without a goal in seven outings Ranieri must find a way to get the bustling forward back in form.
Win over the fans
Fulham fans loved Jokanovic, not only for getting them back to the Premier League but for the style in which they did it, including a club-record 23 game unbeaten run.
Ranieri needs them to move on and can do so with some positive results - starting in the first game back after the international break against fellow strugglers Southampton.
Get more out of Fulham’s big summer signings
The £27m signing of midfielder Jean Michael Seri was considered a real coup but after a bright start – including a wonder goal against Burnley – the one-time Barcelona target has faded.
Fans are yet to see any reason Fulham spent £22m on Andre Zambo Anguissa who arrived from Marseille on deadline day and defender Maxime Le Marchande has looked out of his depth.
If Ranieri can unlock their ability and restore some much-needed confidence to the team then Fulham may begin to see a return on their £100m summer splurge.
