Claudio Ranieri has backed Chelsea to put their troubles behind them and make the top four of the Premier League. The Italian was in charge at Stamford Bridge from 2000 until 2004 but believes the champions will bounce back from their current 14th spot and hit their stride. In a role reversal, Leicester are currently top but Ranieri is convinced Chelsea are rivals for qualification to next year’s Champions League. Ahead of Monday’s match at King Power Stadium he said: ‘I think Chelsea for me means a lot because I worked there for four years. I’m very proud to have been their manager. But that’s an old story and now my focus is on Leicester.Chelsea have struggled this season and have already lost eight gamesHowever, Claudio Ranieri believes the Blues can reach the top fourLeague leaders Leicester hosts the Italian's former club on MondayRead: Mourinho aims dig at Iker Casillas after Chelsea dump Porto out
‘Their record does not mean anything as Chelsea are _ and Mourinho is Mourinho.