Ranieri looks for league momentum
CLAUDIO RANIERI hopes his Leicester squad can take confidence from the FA Cup win against Derby and build some much-needed momentum in the Premier League.
The champions have slumped to within a point of the relegation zone after just two wins in 15 league matches and face a crucial clash at Swansea today who, like the Foxes, have 21 points from their 24 games.
Ranieri’s side have lost their last four Premier League fixtures without scoring a goal and they have yet to find the back of the net in the league in 2017.
Wednesday’s cup replay win against Derby, for which Ranieri made 10 team changes, provided some relief and the Italian hopes the 3-1 victory, which came after extra-time, can give Leicester a lift.
“To score three in one match is good, good for confidence, and I hope it can improve our Premier League season and give us confidence,” he said. “We need momentum. It is important to keep the momentum of the squad going. We might make changes, but it is still Leicester. If we lose in the FA Cup, it is always Leicester. But Leicester won so it is good.
“To win in the FA Cup gave us confidence but we have to keep going. It (Swansea) is one of our important matches from now until the end – we have to achieve our points. But I am confident with the players, always.”
Leicester will face a Swansea side rejuvenated since the arrival of Paul Clement, who has just been named the manager of the month for January. The former Derby boss has overseen a notable upturn in form since replacing Bob Bradley at the turn of the year.
And Ranieri has been impressed by the impact Clement has had, saying: “They changed their manager and they play very well. It will be a tough match for us.”
Ranieri will make several changes with the likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Robert Huth, Wes Morgan, Danny Drinkwater, Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy all expected to be restored to the team. Demarai Gray is pushing for a starting place after impressing against Derby while recent signing Molla Wague could be involved in the squad.