Chelsea captain John Terry has given his backing to manager Claudio Ranieri after reports the Italian would leave the club.

Terry’s backing comes amid increasing speculation that Ranieriwill be fired at the end of the season. However, the England defender claims the coach retains the support of the players.

“From the start of the season every single player has come out and supported the manager,” said Terry.

“We want to go out there and do the job for the manager because a lot of players owe him a lot.”

“Right from the word go there has been a lot of rubbish in the papers about this, that and the other, but we’re 100% behind him.

The speculation has overshadowed Chelsea’s preparations for tonight’s Champions League encounter with Arsenal.

“We are going to do everything we can to win the game against Arsenal because the manager has done a fantastic job this year,’ Terry added.

“He has bought some fantastic players and has built a great team spirit amongst the lads.

“We enjoy training with him and everything has been brilliant, that’s all I can say.”