Ranieri hails Sneijder´s leadership

Inter coach Claudio Ranieri has spoken of the importance of playmaker Wesley Sneijder as a leader of the team.

The Netherlands international has been linked with a move away from the Milan club, with Manchester United supposed suitors.

Despite this, the 60-year-old was full of praise for the former Real Madrid man and feels that the attacking midfielder gives his side direction.

“Sneijder is our prize jewel,” Ranieri told Mediaset.

“He has to give 120 percent. He mustn’t just be part of the squad; he has to be our leader, the one who takes us by the hand and shows us the way to great things.”

The Rome-born coach took over from Gian Piero Gasperini after the disastrous start to the current campaign, and has led the Giuseppe Meazza outfit from the lower echelons of the Serie A standings to fifth place at the winter break.

Ranieri feels that his work ethic is evident with the players and fans, which will make him a favourite at the club.

“If you ask me why the Inter fans have taken to me so quickly, all I can think of is that they must like my attitude to hard work – I’ve got my head down and focused on sorting Inter out,” he said.

“I have a strong character, I say what I think and with age my defects have worsened … I joined Inter at a difficult time when the team were up to their necks but I also saw determination and a sense of belonging.”

“It annoyed me when I heard people saying these players were old and wise, and I remained calm even when we lost because I could see how they worked.”

Inter take on Parma on January 7 upon the resumption of Serie A, and will look to continue their assault towards the summit of the Italian top flight.