Ranieri: Foxes used to Premier League battle

Leicester City’s defence of the Premier League title has seen them brought back down to Earth in recent months, but Claudio Ranieri insists the mental application of his side remains unchanged.

The Foxes have had a rude awakening to life at the top, just two points clear of the relegation zone in 16th place after a tough Premier League opening.

But with a place in the Champions League last 16 already secured even before Wednesday night’s visit to Porto, the Italian manager is desperate to reassure that it’s not all doom and gloom.

And Ranieri is adamant that the club is continuing the mindset that brought them their surprise glory, feeling it’s only a matter of time before form and results pick up.

(Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)

“We are involved with a lot of teams in the battle, but that is something Leicester is used to, that’s what the club had to do a couple of seasons ago,” he said.

“The mentality is the same, you have to be positive and give 100 per cent on the pitch and you have to train well. I’m very happy with my players because they try to do their best.

“At this moment it is difficult because we’re training well and losing, but if we continue to stick together then that momentum will change.

“We are professionals, when you play well and win the critics are positive, but when you lose they are negative – for us it’s about keeping the balance and in the middle.”