Ranieri won’t panic

CLAUDIO RANIERI admits Leicester are going through a bad period but insists there is no problem with the spirit of his side despite their alarming slide down the Premier League.

Last season’s shock champions have struggled to recapture the form that delivered the title to the King Power stadium and now sit just two points above the relegation zone with almost a third of the season gone.

An Etienne Capoue strike after just 32 seconds paved the way for a 2-1 defeat at Watford on Saturday that extended Leicester’s dismal run of form away from home.

But Ranieri is adamant his team is capable of turning things around.

“It’s just a bad period now. This period shows how big was last season. That’s it,” he said.

“Now we are in 2016-17 and we have to react, to keep going with this period, but of course stay stronger and concentrate from the beginning of the match every time.

And Ranieri added: “There is no problem with away matches. It’s a problem when we concede a goal.

“But I’m very pleased with our performance. The spirit of the team is fantastic. I’m proud of them.”

Roberto Pereyra netted Watford’s second after 12 minutes and while Riyad Mahrez brought Leicester back into the game with a penalty three minutes later, Ranieri’s side continued to look vulnerable and were unable to find an equaliser.

For Watford manager Walter Mazzarri, the win was the perfect response to the 6-1 defeat at Liverpool last time out.

“I’m happy to win. Mainly I’m happy with the performance because the team played as I like,” he said. Especially after the big defeat against Liverpool. The players showed they are a great team.

Mazzarri claimed victory over his fellow Italian coach but insisted the two teams adopt a very different style.

“Leicester play similar to other English teams,” he said. “We are the ones who have brought a different type of football to England.” – AFP