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Claudio Ranieri has been named as the Barclaycard Manager of the Month for March after guiding Chelsea to three wins from three games to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal. The Italian, who has had to deal with constant speculation surrounding his future at the club this season, steered his side to home victories over Fulham and Wolves after beginning the month with a 2-0 win at Bolton. The Blues are now seven points behind The Gunners with eight games to go in the Barclaycard Premiership, and the two teams meet in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night with the tie evenly balanced at 1-1. Before that, Chelsea travel to play Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham on Saturday, hoping to extend their four-match winning run. It is the second time Ranieri has been honoured with the monthly award this season, having first been recognised back in September. The decision was made by the Barclaycard Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans. Nic Gault of the Barclaycard Awards Panel said: "Loved by the fans, and respected by his players, Claudio Ranieri has done a fantastic job at Chelsea under the media spotlight. He has always focussed on what matters most, the football, and appears to be relishing the challenge before him. Ranieri has got Chelsea playing some great football and continues to pick up the points, what's more he does it with a smile on his face. A very worthy recipient." Chelsea's on loan striker Mikael Forssell claimed the player's award after bagging six goals last month for Birmingham, including two in the 4-1 win over Leeds. The young Finnish international has been a big hit with the Blues since signing on a season-long loan deal from Stamford Bridge in the summer, and Nic Gault added: "Forssell has been in superb form on loan from Chelsea for the Blues this season and it is no surprise that Birmingham are looking to sign the striker permanently. I am sure every City fan and all connected to the club will be very pleased that he has received this award."
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