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Ranieri: Mourinho rift is history

Cape Town - Claudio Ranieri insists his war-of-words with Jose Mourinho is confined to the past, ahead of the pair going head-to-head this weekend.

Ranieri was the subject of criticism from Mourinho earlier in their careers after the now Manchester United manager was derogatory about the Italian’s poor English and lack of silverware.

However, since then, the pair have adopted a more respectful relationship, particularly after Ranieri steered Leicester City to the Premier League title last season.

Leicester face Man United on Sunday and Ranieri is wholesome in his praise for his opposite number.

“Yes, but it’s prehistoric, not now,” said Ranieri when asked about his former altercations with Mourinho.

"It [their relationship] is fantastic, very good, no problems, why?

"Do you remember in the summer when we had the Soccer Aid, I managed the Rest of the World team against Jose's English side.

"It [the issues] was a long time ago, I'm okay. All managers have a lot of jobs to do. It's normal, he's a great manager and a fantastic person.

"Maybe he has to offer me a good red wine. I love red wine and if he offers I will go and drink it with him [after Saturday's game].

"Mourinho is a fantastic manager, intelligent, clever." 

United head into Sunday’s encounter on the back of two consecutive Premier League defeats, with Mourinho singling out England left-back Luke Shaw for criticism after the 3-1 loss against Watford last weekend.

However, Ranieri said: "Every manager has his book, sometimes you need to do this.

"Sometimes, maybe not here but at another team, also I push to provoke the reaction of the player. 

“There's always a psychology. I don't know what Jose did, so it's difficult for me to say. Also, if I know I don't tell you!"

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