Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri has suggested the inexperience of club's Russian hierarchy has caused the uncertainty over his future.
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caption:Ranieri's position has been to subject of much speculation.
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Ranieri, 62, has guided the principality club from Ligue 2 to second place in the French top flight in less than two seasons. Following last summer's multi-million-euro investment by billionaire owner Dmitri Rybolovlev, Ranieri was asked to steer the team to Champions League qualification, something he achieved with last weekend's 1-0 victory over Nice.
A further triumph over relegated Ajaccio on Saturday could even secure Monaco a top-two finish in Ligue 1, and with it guaranteed place in the group stage.
Yet, according to French media and in line with the lukewarm messages of public support from his bosses, Ranieri appears uncertain of beginning the final year of his existing contract when the 2014-15 campaign kicks off in August.
The former Chelsea and Juventus boss told media the controversy had been stirred up as Rybolovlev and his cohorts in charge of the club are still learning their trade having only taken over in 2011.
"It's the first time the Russians have a team, so they don't know very well how things are sorted out, and that's normal," Ranieri said in quotes reported fully by L'Equipe's print edition. "Having said that, a coach is like a husband who has been cheated on: he's the last to know about things.
The Italian added, in a light-hearted tone: "If Monaco want to keep winning, they should keep me. Otherwise, Monaco aren't going to win any more."
French media claim Ranieri's bosses were reportedly particularly unhappy with the club's Coupe de France exit to Guingamp last week, while the team's unspectacular style of play this season has been brought into question.
Ranieri, too, had a question as he pondered Rybolovlev's future ambition for the club, which last featured in European club football's premier competition in the 2005-06 season.
"I don't know if he wants to invest or not, if he wants to challenge in the Champions League or simply participate and finish fourth in the group," he said.