Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson has denied reports that Claudio Ranieri offered his resignation following Saturday's 0-0 draw with Blackburn.
An article in this morning's Daily Mail suggests that Ranieri was so distressed at hearing his team booed off the pitch that he wanted to quit on the spot but was talked out of it.
But Hutchinson, who appointed Ranieri last season, today said that he spent 30 minutes with the Italian after the Blackburn match and that resignation was never an issue.
"I saw Claudio after last Saturday's game and he was obviously disappointed with the result," Hutchinson said. "But nothing can be done about it now and we are all looking forward to the two games this week.
"When I saw him, he was already looking at the highlights on television, analysing the match.
"At no stage did he offer his resignation. There is no reason for him to offer his resignation and we have certainly not asked for it."
Despite Hutchinson's insistence, the rumours of unrest at Stamford Bridge refuse to go away. Yesterday Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was reportedly involved in an argument with conditioner Roberto Sassi, while Mario Melchiot has admitted that the "Chelsea family" often has "disagreements."
No wonder there is a widespread feeling that if Chelsea lose tonight at Leeds and at Old Trafford on Saturday, Ranieiri will not have to resign - chairman Ken Bates will be sacking him instead.
