Monaco coach Ranieri says PSG set to dominate Ligue 1 for decade

Ranieri’s side will have to settle for the runners-up spot, although he joked that his side were “virtual champions” as PSG are set to be fined by Uefa for breaching their Financial Fair Play rules.

Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri. Valery Halche / AFP

MONACO // Monaco manager Claudio Ranieri warned Friday that Paris Saint-Germain will turn Ligue 1 into a one-horse race for the next decade unless other teams invest in the coming years.
The Italian's future at his club remains uncertain with PSG claiming a second straight title after Monaco were held to a 1-1 draw by Guingamp midweek with only two matches of the season remaining.
Ranieri's side will have to settle for the runners-up spot and automatic Uefa Champions League qualification, although he joked that his side were "virtual champions" as Qatar-owned PSG are set to be fined by Uefa for breaching their Financial Fair Play rules.
Uefa want to fine PSG and English Premier League leaders Manchester City, and limit their Champions League squads for breaching spending regulations.
"In the coming decade Paris can win the title eight times, unless another club invests a lot of money," said Ranieri.
"Monaco could for example. That depends on its philosophy, on the financial fair play as well...
"Uefa said that Paris Saint-Germain won without fair play. Monaco won with fair play," he joked. "There are rules. So we're the virtual champions. Well, I don't know if we're within the rules either," he added.
"More seriously I think that whoever has the financial capacity and the possibility to spend money, has the right to do so."
However, he refused to be drawn on his future with the Rivera side. "I'm focusing on the final matches," he said.
"The players read the papers. When everything is official, they will know. As for an eventual meeting with management it will be next week or the week after."
Ranieri said he was happy with his season. "In my career I've had more good seasons than average ones. Titles in Italian Serie B and C, Ligue 2. Second and third with Juve, second with Roma or Chelsea.
"One of the greatest seasons was with Chelsea in 2002-03. Without a transfer we assured Champions League qualification.
"[Roman] Abramovitch bought Chelsea at the end of that season because the club were in the Champions League. If he hadn't come, the club, without money, was dead.
"The following year we built the team in July and August. But we finished second and Champions League semi-finalists against Monaco.
"My two seasons here [Monaco] were also very good."