Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri says Norwich will be tougher than Arsenal
Thursday 25 February 2016 15:11, UK
Claudio Ranieri believes Leicester will face a tougher test against relegation strugglers Norwich on Saturday than they did away to Arsenal recently.
The Canaries have lost six of their last seven Premier League matches and let a two-goal lead slip last time out in their 2-2 draw with West Ham, leaving them just above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Conversely, Leicester's last gasp defeat to Arsenal on February 14 - their first defeat of 2016 - cut their lead at the top of the table to two points but Ranieri sees a bigger challenge ahead against Alex Neil's side.
"I told my players that it will be a big battle on Saturday. It will be harder than against Arsenal," he said.
"I want to see my players concentrated and angry because of the way we lost in the last minute. We want to grow and stay at a high level. Now, we have to manage the pressure and have the confidence. It's new for us.
"Now we are looking forward. The five matches next for us, I believe they can be key in our season."
Despite a remarkable season in which the Foxes have surpassed all expectations to sit top of the Premier League in February, Ranieri is looking even further ahead and wants to consolidate the club's position at the top end of the table.
"We want in the next year to grow up and stay at the high level. It came now, it's ok," he said.
"We have to manage, to have the confidence to manage this pressure. It's ok. It's the first time. Maybe next season, it could be better. In two seasons, more better."
When asked if the players were feeling any pressure, Ranieri added: "No, I didn't see. Because the training is the same, the mentality is very good. They are free spirit."
Winger Jeffrey Schlupp has returned to first-team training after a hamstring injury and Ranieri said he has options when looking for a replacement for the suspended Danny Simpson, who was sent off against Arsenal.
"Jeffrey Schlupp has come back and now trains fully with us. It's good to see him come back," Ranieri said.
On Simpson's replacement, he added: "I can put Marcin Wasilewski in, I can put Daniel Amartey and Marc Albrighton there. I have one more day to think."
