I don't see the same Leicester, says manager Claudio Ranieri

  • 10/12/2016
Claudio Ranieri (Getty file)
Claudio Ranieri (Getty file)

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri insists the next two months will define the Foxes' season.

The champions are just two points above the relegation zone only seven months after winning the Premier League in one of sport's biggest shocks.

They lost 5-0 in their final Champions League Group G game in Porto on Wednesday, having already qualified for the last 16, and now have a break from Europe until February with the draw for the second round made on Monday.

Leicester host Manchester City on Saturday and Ranieri is keen to focus on their league problems now they can forget the distraction of Europe.

"This part of the season is our key moment," Ranieri said.

"The players aren't satisfied, they want to play better and fight more but it's important to fight together as a team.

"Our strength was this, if we made a dream last season it's because we were together, not because we were a big team. With our effort we made a story.

"Do you see the same team from last season? I don't see, we have to react, to come back.

"The recruitment area are working hard but they wait for me to say 'Okay, now I need this, this and this. Until then I want to check my players and the only players who will stay with me are the ones who want to fight until the end."

Leicester have not won in the top flight since beating Crystal Palace 3-1 in October, their only victory in their last eight league games.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City have won just four of their last 14 games and have slipped to fourth in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Chelsea.

Sergio Aguero is banned this weekend but Ranieri knows City have talent in abundance.

"There are so many champions, there is Kevin De Bruyne, there is David Silva, there is Kelechi Iheanacho, there are so many," he said.

"It is a big team, fantastic players, but I want to see (them) against us, when we are strong."     

PA