I need soldiers and gladiators, says Leicester boss Ranieri

Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri has urged the “soldiers and gladiators” in his squad to stand up and save their season.

The Italian is under increasing pressure after the defending Premier League champions were dumped out of the FA Cup at the fifth-round stage by League One Millwall on Saturday.

The Foxes are battling relegation from the top flight after a dismal domestic season, but face Sevilla in Spain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash next week.

Ranieri’s side are currently one point and place above the Premier League drop zone, and have lost five league games on the spin.

Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images

Now, Ranieri wants his players to show their battling qualities and step up to the plate.

“Now we have to fight every match,” said Ranieri. “I need soldiers. I need gladiators. Millwall with 10 men showed they have fantastic gladiators.

“The first half was a good performance from us. We knew that Millwall wanted to counter attack and try to do something at set plays. We created some good chances but we lost in the last parts.

“I think this defeat could be good for us because when you lose against a team who fights like Millwall did, you have to say well done to them, ask why you lost and come back stronger.”