Arsene Wenger, Leonardo Jardim and Andre Villas-Boas all snubbed Fulham
Cottagers have appointed Claudio Ranieri as their manager after sacking Championship hero Slavisa Jokanovic
ARSENE WENGER reportedly turned down the chance to manage Fulham before Claudio Ranieri’s appointment.
The Telegraph claims Arsenal legend Wenger was approached by the Cottagers after making the decision to sack Slavisa Jokanovic.
However, Wenger rejected the opportunity to speak with Fulham, leading to Ranieri’s eventual appointment on Wednesday.
It’s also claimed that ex-Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim snubbed the relegation candidates.
While former Chelsea and Tottenham gaffer Andre Villas-Boas also had no interest in taking over the struggling London side.
Wenger left Arsenal last summer and has no intention of returning to the Premier League, with Bayern Munich said to be interested.
Why has it gone so wrong for Fulham?
By Anthony Chapman
FULHAM returned to the Premier League in epic style following their play-off final win over Aston Villa at Wembley in May.
Along with Wolves, they were known as the great entertainers of last season’s Championship.
But a desperate transfer market has taken its toll on the Cottagers, and it’s now down to Claudio Ranieri to turn things around.
Fulham signed an incredible 12 players for the first team, including two top goalkeepers – neither of who can oust club-grown Marcus Bettinelli.
But big-money signings including Jean Michael Seri and Andre Zambo Anguissa have proven to be no better than the likes of Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald.
And it simply appears to have been a case of ‘too many cooks’ for Slavisa Jokanovic , who was doomed from the start as he tried to make all the new faces gel as quickly as possible.
Fulham must now establish a strong core to build around, and that may require dropping some fancier names in favour of more honest players who led last term's Championship charge.
There also needs to be a solution found for Ryan Sessegnon as soon as possible, with the ace no longer dealing damage on the wing after being forced to play at left-back.
Meanwhile, Jardim is recharging his batteries after his recent sacking while Villas-Boas has been exploring the world of motor racing.
And it is now down to Ranieri to save Fulham from the drop following their astounding Premier League promotion just half a year ago.
Ranieri said: “The objective of Fulham should never be to merely survive in the Premier League. We must at all times be a difficult opponent and should expect to succeed.
“This Fulham squad has exceptional talent that is contrary to its position in the table. I know this team is very capable of better performances.”