Former Chelsea boss: I should have taken the Southampton job when I had the chance

Claudio Ranieri opted to take on the Greece job instead of joining Southampton in 2014

CLAUDIO RANIERI regrets not managing Southampton when given the chance in 2014.

 

The Leicester boss instead decided to take on the Greece job that summer, before being sacked just four months later after recording three defeats and a draw in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

Southampton reportedly showed interest in the Italian following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, but appointed Ronald Koeman in June 2014.

Discussing the Southampton job, the former Chelsea manager said: "I was interested, but after that there was also the Greece job - and I made a mistake."

 

Ronald Koeman insists he won't walk away from Southampton

Ranieri took charge of the Foxes this summer and has taken Leicester to fifth in the Premier League table, recording four wins and three draws in their opening eight fixtures.

While Southampton boss Koeman has recently been linked with the Netherlands job after Danny Blind failed to guide his side to a spot at next year's European Championships.

 

But the Dutchman insists he will see out the remainder of his contract with the Saints.

"I like to stay, and I have after this season one year more," he said. "There's no way, no possibility [I could leave]."

"Maybe [I could be Dutch manager] in future depending on a lot of things."