In the wake of the jubilant scenes at Stamford Bridge last night, Claudio Ranieri, the former Chelsea manager, has paid tribute to Avram Grant but has warned him he may need to win the European Cup to save his job.

The Italian has personal experience of Roman Abramovich's ruthlessness, after he was sacked in 2004 and replaced by Jose Mourinho. Ranieri congratulated Grant on taking the club to their first Champions League final, however, he has warned him that unless he wins the trophy he may still be replaced in the summer.

"I think Grant deserved this victory," Ranieri said. "But I think if Grant doesn't win, I think he's finished in the job.

"I think if Grant wins something, then okay, maybe he'll continue, but if not...I don't know the mind of Roman Abramovich, it's very difficult to know what he thinks. It is the first [European Cup] final of Chelsea's history, going to Moscow, it's fantastic for him. He'll be very, very proud. It's a great achievement for English football."