Claudio Ranieri must be sighing with relief.

The under-fire Chelsea boss played his get out of jail card on Wednesday night as the Blues beat Leeds United 2-0 in the Worthington Cup.

Eidur Gudjohnsen's two goals took Chelsea into the last eight and their sights are firmly set on a cup final place on February 24.

Victory in Cardiff would give them a UEFA Cup place next season.

That alone should secure Ranieri's job for another season, his third and the last on his contract.

The bookies rate Chelsea as rank outsiders for the Premiership.

After the turgid display against Blackburn last Saturday after which the players were booed off it was of no real surprise that Ranieri decided to boycott his own press conference.

The rumour mill cranked into overtime that Ranieri's position at the club had become untenable.

It subsequently came to light that Ranieri had spent 30 minutes in his employer's office after the game.

Rubbish

Managing director Colin Hutchinson confirmed the meeting took place: "The suggestion that he offered his resignation is rubbish.

"I spent 30 minutes with him after the game, and he was disappointed, but was already watching the video and starting to prepare for the Leeds game."

It's a pity Ranieri did not answer the questions most fans wanted answered. Perhaps Hutchinson wanted to spare his blushes, or maybe he wanted an explanation for the awful performance.

I'm sure he gave Hutchinson all the answers but what about letting the supporters know?

That was why victory over Leeds was so important. But the Sword of Damocles still hangs over his head. Those league performances must improve dramatically.

An ideal place to start would be in the noon kick-off at Manchester United on Saturday.

There are a number of injury doubts as a result of the cup clash against Leeds.

Stand-in skipper Graeme Le Saux suffered at the hands of Alan Smith and was carried off the pitch.

Emmanuel Petit and Marcel Desailly are also doubtful. Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in the last three matches.

In Desailly's absence, John Terry and William Gallas have performed admirably at the back.

December 4, 2001 13:35