Any Porto in a storm for Ranieri
CLAUDIO RANIERI says he does not fear the unthinkable – getting the sack at champions Leicester.
The Italian’s fairy-tale romp to the title last season led to him being voted FIFA Manager of the Year.
But this season has turned into a horror story with the Foxes languishing two points off the drop zone.
Yet their Champions League form has been fantastic and they go into tonight’s clash with Porto having won the group.
The heat is on Ranieri and his players, although he insists he is not losing sleep.
“It doesn’t worry me at all – it’s not my decision,” said Ranieri.
“The owner is always behind us and is always positive. Of course he’s not happy – no one at the club is. When we win, we win together and when we lose, we lose together.
“My experience says it is important to stay calm and be positive, believe in your players and do the best for your team.
“Leicester are used to being in a battle. Two years ago, it was a battle with relegation, then last year it was a battle for the title.
“I’m happy with the players and they are trying their best. Maybe they are paying for what happened last season.
“It’s difficult but if you continue to believe then sooner or later we will change the momentum.”
Ranieri tackles Porto without two of his top players, having left both Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez at home. They have been rested for Saturday’s clash with Manchester City. Ranieri conceded that if they needed victory in Portugal he would have taken a stronger squad, but he is happy to hand his fringe men a chance with Demarai Gray, Leonardo Ulloa and Marcin Wasilewski expected to play and 18-year-old midfielder Harvey Barnes in the group.
Ranieri said: “If we had to win, maybe all my players would be here but I can choose. Always I have said we have a very good team.
“There are some players who didn’t play so far and they deserve their chance. The players who can play have a chance to play on Saturday.”
He urged those who come in to respond, adding: “I love people who react to difficulties.”
Danny Simpson is one who could keep his place and the right-back believes the Foxes’ shadow squad can prove themselves.
He said: “It’s a great chance for the players to show Claudio and the rest of the boys what they can do, away from home, at a great stadium and against a great team.” (4-4-2) (4-4-2) CASILLAS ZIELER MAXI PEREIRA SIMPSON FELIPE MORGAN MARCANO WASILEWS LAYUN CHILWELL DANILO DRINKWATE TORRES AMARTEY CORONA GRAY BRAHIMI MUSA JOTA OKAZAKI ANDRE SILVA ULLOA REF: F Zwayer (Ger). TV: BT Spor KICK-OFF: 7.45pm.