Leicester’s Ranieri expects pressure as part of the job

Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri accepts that being under pressure as a top-flight manager comes with the territory but is not planning to escape by retiring just yet.

The 64-year-old led Leicester City to the Premier League title last term and is preparing to face old rival Jose Mourinho for the second time this season at the weekend.

Mourinho’s Manchester United side beat the Foxes at Wembley in the Community Shield in August but were on a three-game losing run before victory over Northampton Town in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday.

The United boss is said to be under pressure to improve the results and performances at Old Trafford but Ranieri doesn’t expect this to faze the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager.

“It’s our life. All the managers are under pressure – always,” he said.

Photo credit: IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

“How we manage the pressure, the victory, we have to manage everything. Even me. The bookmaker puts me under pressure every time.

“I am crazy. When you tell me you’re under pressure, I’m calm. I’m under pressure when I’m alone at home without the team.

“I don’t want to retire, I want to make another 20 years. Realistically, I’m scared. I don’t want to retire. Don’t let me think about it. Football is my life.”