Claudio Ranieri says he’s the new ‘Special One’ after Premier League title triumph as he returns to Chelsea

CLAUDIO RANIERI heads back to Stamford Bridge claiming he is the new ‘Special One’ after a  vintage year.

Champagne may have been flowing when Leicester won the Premier League title — but now Ranieri  compares his wonder season to a fine wine.

Yet his former club Chelsea still have not found the right brew. And the Foxes boss believes it could be another year before Chelsea fans see the best of Antonio Conte’s side.

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Whether his Italian countryman gets that long remains to be seen with Conte already tipped for the sack just three months into his reign.

Ranieri saw off one Chelsea boss last year when Jose Mourinho was axed after being beaten at the King Power  Stadium in December.

And he could do it again if Leicester can stun Conte.

But Ranieri says the Chelsea boss needs time, even though it took him just a season to turn the Foxes into champs.

When asked why his transformation was so rapid, Ranieri smiled and made an ironic nod towards the man who replaced him at Chelsea 12 years ago.

He joked: “Because I am special! Last season was special year. It is like a vineyard.

“The man works the ground every year — but there is one year when the wine is fantastic.

“But it is more difficult for Conte than me.

“Our philosophy is to work hard, more time every day, work with and without the ball.

“Chelsea players aren’t used to this. They are used to just one training session a day and always with the ball.

“Conte is working very, very well and hard and it is not easy to change the players’ philosophy.

“They were used to some training sessions and Conte changed everything.

“So he has to work a little more.  But I think  Chelsea will fight for the Champions League.”