Beleaguered Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri has made a heart felt plea to his Stamford Bridge employers today, urging them to let him 'finish the job.'
Ranieri insisted his record this season spoke for itself, saying, "I think I have done a very good job here.
"The plan is good. I started to build, the foundations are strong and the spirit of the group is strong and I would like to finish my job.
"I have three years on the contract so why cannot I finish the job? I want to, I'd like to - but I'm not the owner."
Asked if he would still be at Chelsea at the start of next season he maintained: "I hope, I would like to finish the job. I believe, I believe.
"Me and the players have made a very great job this season, very great. I think this is a great group and with this group to change something, but not much, you can do better next season.
"I try to improve every season from last season and it's important next season to try to improve, that is my way.
"With this foundation it will be possible. Of course, it will not be easy. Nothing is easy in football and in life."
Ranieri's comments come in the wake of intensifying speculation that Jose Mourinho is close to usurping the Italian, after the Porto coach's agent gave the strongest hint yet that his client will be taking charge at Stamford Bridge next season.
