Ranieri to be flexible with Leicester formations

Leicester City were consistent in team selection and formation during their Premier League success last year, but manager Claudio Ranieri is open to changes this season.

The Italian, who was named on a 10-man shortlist for FIFA Men’s Coach 2016 this week, employed a new 3-4-3 formation in the first half against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

The Foxes also used the formation at times against Chelsea in the Premier League and Ranieri admits they’ve been testing multiple options on the training ground.

“Sometimes during the training session we change a lot, three at the back and 4-3-3,” he said.

“It’s important for players to understand everything so during the match you can change system and the players understand what you want.

(Photo by Alex Morton – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

“It was good, also in second half against Chelsea we played in this way and we played well.

“Against Copenhagen I wanted to stop their flanks because they push up a lot and we closed very well.”

The 65-year-old manager was quick to praise his players when discussing his FIFA nomination, with Foxes Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, and former City player N’Golo Kante, al nominated for Best FIFA Men’s Player 2016.

“It’s amazing, I can only say thank you to my players because if I am in the shortlist for manager of the year it’s because Leicester made something special and I’m very happy with this nomination,” he added.