Claudio has long been criticised for over elaboration when it comes to systems, tactics and tinkering. Along with last season’s rotation policy (although considered by most as a vital part of getting to know his players), he has now consigned both the rotation and the tinkering as things of the past.
"Last year I was a tinker man. This year, no. Now I have all my players available but last season I always had to make changes," said the Italian as he explained his policy shift.
"It was important for me to understand about my players and find out how they react to things but sometimes the criticism was not good.
"Even when I was right - because Chelsea won - I was a tinker man. I don't understand why because if Chelsea won it was good.
"But everybody - me and my players - understands everything better now. I still change things in the team but I don't think people notice so much now," he said.
With Chelsea now (finally) considered to be genuine title challengers as we attempt to overthrow Arsenal’s, United’s and Liverpool’s supposed supremacy, Claudio still refuses to be drawn into the Premiership debate.
"My focus is only on Middlesbrough and, of course, my own team - only the next match. There's still a long way to go. If we are still there in April, of course I will be happy," he said, insisting that the chance to leapfrog Arsenal will have no effect on the approach of his side.
"My players are used to taking pressure because a lot of them play for the national teams. They take this responsibility a lot. It is normal for us," he explained.
Ranieri is expecting (as we all are) a tough task at Middlesbrough and he recalled: "I remember the first match at Stamford Bridge. Middlesbrough played very well and only the great invention of Gianfranco Zola and the fantastic right foot of Celestine Babayaro enabled us to score the goals against them.”
Celestine Babayaro is definitely out of tomorrow's clash through suspension so Graeme Le Saux should remain in the side, whilst Bolo Zenden is still waiting to make his first appearance since suffering an ankle injury in October.
Added to this central defender Marcel Desailly has been ruled out by an undisclosed personal problem so John Terry will naturally slot into his position.
Claudio was today quick to praise the young Englishman’s determination and fortitude following Terry’s highly publicised personal problems and troublesome knee injury.
"John Terry has been suffering a lot this season but always in the training sessions he has been fantastic. He always works hard."
The French defensive duo of Desailly and William Gallas has been "central" to Chelsea`s climb up the table and Ranieri understands the predicament this has placed Terry in.
"It's impossible. Everybody always wants to play. It's normal, but he understands the situation."
With Boro yet to lose at home tomorrow’s game will indeed ask many questions of this new Chelsea. Will we continue to see the character and resilience so proudly displayed at Bolton and Everton?
It is my hope that Chelsea’s new fortitude, solidity and self belief will not be short lived as both Chelsea and Claudio continue to silence all non-believers.
Top of the table by Sunday? Perhaps not – but lets consolidate on that 2nd/3rd position in the table!