Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester title win the dream fairytale for inspired new Wolves boss and ex-Italy keeper Walter Zenga
Compatriot led Foxes to English football's biggest prize last season and Zenga is determined to get some handy advice
NEW Wolves boss Walter Zenga wants to follow in Claudio Ranieri’s footsteps.
The ex-Italy keeper was a shock appointment on Saturday morning — just ten hours after Kenny Jackett was sacked.
Now Zenga, 56, has just five days to prepare his side before Saturday’s Championship opener at Rotherham.
Zenga — a pal of super-agent Jorge Mendes — is preparing to welcome a string of new signings to the club with the backing of new owners Fosun.
And he plans to pick the brains of Premier League title- winning boss Ranieri — who he managed against in Italy.
Like Ranieri, Zenga does not have much time before the season starts — but would love to emulate his compatriot’s fairytale success last season.
Zenga said: “Last year, many times, I spoke with Claudio.
“I haven’t spoken to Claudio since taking the job. But when he comes back from abroad we will talk. It’s normal to get some advice. You share your experience and your ideas — even if you’re not arriving in another country.
“Everyone is saying I only have a week before the start of the season, but Ranieri had the same before his season with Leicester. I have also spoken to Walter Mazzarri at Watford and with Francesco Guidolin at Swansea.
“Things don’t happen in life for nothing. For example, from February I saw all the games from the Championship. Where I lived there was a channel broadcasting the live games and a review of the games. I don’t know why but it happened. And now I’m here. It’s something you can’t explain.”
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Zenga admitted he has a close link with Mendes, who is also agent to Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Wolves owners have been using Mendes as a middle man to bring in players and Jackett’s replacement.
Mendes had lined up Julen Lopetegui to take over at Molineux but he bagged the Spain job instead.
Zenga said: “I talk with him. Jorge Mendes is part of my life, of course. Everybody is happy if they can work with the best people.
“I want to work with those people because they are winners. There is something inside them which is positive.”
Zenga has managed 16 clubs in 18 years — but insists Wolves are not taking a gamble with him.
The former Inter Milan keeper has signed a one-year deal with a 12-month option and the owners have told him the aim is promotion back to the Premier League.
He said: “I don’t think I’m a risk being here. Why would that be? If I can’t handle the pressure I shouldn’t be in this job.
“If you ask me now what I will promise, I promise we will win the season. But it doesn’t work like this. You cannot sell words like candy. We need to work. Everybody wants to win and go into the Prem — but only three teams can go up.”