The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Leicester boss insists conscience is clear
Leicester City boss Craig Shakespeare reiterated his conscience is clear after former manager Claudio Ranieri hinted someone at the club betrayed him.
The Foxes chief continued to field questions about the Italian ahead of tonight’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg, one of the biggest games in the club’s history.
Ranieri finally spoke about his sacking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football and absolved the players from any blame in his February dismissal but did say “maybe it could be somebody behind me”.
Shakespeare has always been clear over his relationship with Ranieri – that there were no problems between the pair – and was again robust in his stance.
“Free speech is there for anyone, I don’t have a problem with that. I’m quite comfortable in my own conscience,” he said.
“I was at the Under-23s, but I’ve seen clips of it (the interview). Claudio was in good humour and came across exactly as I know him.
“My stance, from my first interview, is I remember coming in and stating I spoke to Claudio the night he was relieved, he thanked me for my time, I thanked him.
“There’s never been any arguments or hard feelings. That’s my side of it. I thought he came across really well.
“My stance is still the same. We never had any falling out. I haven’t seen it live, I have only seen quotes this morning and I think I’ve answered the question.”
Leicester face Atletico as the only English club left in the competition. But, despite being underdogs against the LaLiga side, Shakespeare insisted the Foxes are not about to roll over.
He said: “We have enjoyed it but make no mistake we’re there to compete and not to make the numbers up. These players deserve this opportunity and we aim to keep that going.”
Leicester captain Wes Morgan will miss the game at the Vicente Calderon with a back injury.
Yohan Benalouane is expected to deputise again.