As Premier League football returns to the King Power Stadium, Leicester City boss, Claudio Ranieri, held his weekly pre-match press conference. After admitting that Stoke City will prove solid opposition for his Leicester side, he told reporters to expect a tough match.
Even after a draw away at bottom-club, Aston Villa, last Saturday, the Foxes still see themselves level on points with league leaders, Arsenal, who are only separated on goal difference. Stoke have had some great results this season and their fans hope to see their side push for a European spot, they currently sit 7th.
"The standard of the Premier League is at the top"
Ahead of the clash between the two Midlands rivals, Ranieri was asked about the quality of this season's Premier League. He made it very clear that the standard is still "at the top", however when questioned about how open this season has been, the Italian reluctantly agreed. It was obvious that the Leicester boss didn't want to put his side down after they've managed to reach the summit of the division. However, at the same time, he wasn't going to disagree with a question that has been on the lips of football fans everywhere.
The former-Monaco man also went on to say that one of the reasons his team were top of the league was down to the fact that "some of the big teams are not at the top". Almost admitting that teams like his former employers, Chelsea, were not performing to their full ability and if they were, his side wouldn't be near the top. Although, he did make sure he informed the reporters that his team were playing at "possibly 120%" and that it "isn't possible" for them to be working any harder. Making it very clear that he felt the Foxes deserved their position in the league because of the hard work and determination they've shown consistently this season.
"Stoke is another tough match"
When finally questioned about the upcoming fixture, Claudio Ranieri pulled no punches in telling the filled room of reporters that it would be no easy game. He began to recall the last meeting between the sides at the Brittania earlier in the season (a 2-2 draw). He claimed that Stoke were slightly "nervous" in the early exchanges of the game but scored two quick goals due to Leicester mistakes. He was keen to focus on the hosts more though, saying that his side's second half performance was "amazing" to come from two goals down.
He then commented on the visitors' recent form by saying that they are "in good condition." The 64-year-old showed a great deal of respect towards the Potters, metioning Mark Hughes' men's increase in confidence over the past month. When asked about Stoke's European hopes, Ranieri was quick to say that he considers all the teams in a similar position as "contenders" for European football, comparing them to the likes of Tottenham and Crystal Palace. He also emphasised that these sides are all fighting for the same kind of target as his Leicester side.
The Leicester boss will be expecting a much better effort from his players than he was shown in the FA Cup 3rd replay against Tottenham, where he watched his team become victims of a dominating Spurs performance.
