Claudio Ranieri has managed to lead the Foxes to their first-ever Premier League title, achieving unprecedented success in modern-day football. It seems like the “Chat shit get banged” mantra has become true!
(Image credit: Mirror)
After Tottenham blew their 2-0 lead against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with the final result standing at 2-2, Leicester City were crowned champions of the English top flight. The Foxes took away the title with 77 points, with two more games remaining until the official end. Leicester City have proven that they live by the “Chat shit get banged” philosophy, after silencing all the critics saying they couldn’t maintain their impeccable form all throughout the season.
After having lunch with his 96-year-old mother Renata, the Italian manager flew back to the “Foxes’ stronghold” to celebrate the historic win with his players. He lavished praise on his team and everyone involved in the club. “I’m so proud, I’m happy for my players, for the chairman, for the staff at Leicester City, all our fans and the Leicester community,” said Ranieri. “It’s an amazing feeling and I’m so happy for everyone.”
He stressed that he never fantasized about lifting the Premier League title, rather that his sole aim was to remain “pragmatic” and simply to win game after game. “I never expected this when I arrived. I’m a pragmatic man, I just wanted to win match after match and help my players to improve week after week. Never did I think too much about where it would take us. The players have been fantastic. Their focus, their determination, their spirit has made this possible. Every game they fight for each other and I love to see this in my players. They deserve to be champions.”
Leicester City players celebrated winning the title at Jamie Vardy’s home (Video credit: The Guardian)
The 64-year-old stressed this is the “best feeling” he’s ever had in his managing career, and especially since he’s managed to pull off such a feat with the Foxes. “It’s the best feeling of my career and I couldn’t be prouder that it’s as part of this team. Everyone’s worked so hard for this, nobody believed we could do it, but here we are (“Chat shit get banged”), Premier League champions and deservedly so. I’ve never known a spirit like the one between these boys. We’re like brothers.”
“People saw it last season when everyone expected us to be relegated, but we fought back to prove people wrong,” said Ranieri. “This season’s been a continuation of that. We’ve built on the momentum but I don’t think anyone believed it would come to this. Saturday can’t come quickly enough. I can’t wait to get my hands on the trophy.”
In comparison to all the big clubs in the Premier League that boast massive budgets – allowing them to sign virtually any player they want – Leicester City have managed to win the title by spending a little under £40 million in both the summer and winter transfer periods this season. Big sides like Man City, Chelsea and Man United among others are known to spend £30-40-50 million just for one player, while the Foxes have brought in a whole host of new signings with their limited budget.
Jamie Vardy coined the term “Chat shit get banged” in 2011 (Image credit: Atomicsoda)
Additionally, a number of squad members that were bought on the cheap have seen their values rise drastically throughout the title-winning campaign. Jamie Vardy, the man that originally coined the famous expression “Chat shit get banged” in 2011, was bought for just under £1 million in 2012, while his market value now stands at nine times that amount. He’s been prolific in front of goal, finding the back of the net 22 times, while his teammate Riyad Mahrez, scored a whopping 17 goals from the wing. The Algerian international was signed last summer from Le Havre for merely £375,000, however his great exploits throughout the season have seen his value rise to a whopping £15 million. Another example is Danny Drinkwater, who was purchased from Man United for a bargain fee of £675,000 in 2012 and he’s now worth £4.5 million.
According to Transfermarkt, Leicester City’s market value currently stands at only £95.25 million, which is a stark difference to last year’s title winners Chelsea, whose squad is valued at nearly four times as much – £371.81 million – however they are now languishing in 9th position with only 48 points to their name. Manchester United’s market value is £313.69 million, and they’re currently 5th with 60 points, while their “noisy neighbours” Manchester City have a squad value of £376.31 million, but are in 4th spot with 64 points. Considering Ranieri’s great success in turning bargain singings into world-class players, other clubs should take notice and follow his side’s “Chat shit get banged” mantra.