Boss says Foxes are 'there to compete' against Atletico Madrid in Champions League
Wednesday 12 April 2017 10:08, UK
Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare says his conscience is clear following Claudio Ranieri's hint he was betrayed over his sacking in February.
Former boss Ranieri was dismissed nine months after pulling off the greatest shock in top-flight history to guide the Foxes to a first Premier League title.
And, in an exclusive interview on Monday Night Football, 65-year-old Ranieri refused to blame the players for any involvement in his dismissal but suggested he was betrayed by others at the club, saying: "Maybe it could be somebody behind me."
Responding to the Italian's insinuation, Shakespeare reiterated he feels no guilt regarding Ranieri's exit and insists the pair did not fall out.
"There's never been any arguments or hard feelings. That's my side of it. It was good to see him enjoying his football as he did. I thought he came across really well.
"Free speech is there for anyone, I don't have a problem with that. I'm quite comfortable in my own conscience," he said.
"I was at the U23s, but I've seen clips of it [the interview]. Claudio was in good humour and came across exactly as I know him."
Shakespeare, who managed the East Midlands side to six consecutive wins immediately after taking charge, said his sacked predecessor thanked him for his service on the very night he was relieved of his post.
He said: "My stance is the same from my first interview [as manager] when I stated that I'd spoken to Claudio the night he was relieved, he thanked me for my time, and I thanked him."
Leicester, who currently occupy 11th spot in the Premier League with five wins from their last six league outings, face one of the biggest games in the club's history when they take on Atletico Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.
But, despite being underdogs against the La Liga giants, Shakespeare insists his men are confident.
"In terms of life experiences, you use them as you go along, you have new ones and this is one for us in the Champions League this season," he added.
"We have enjoyed it but make no mistake, we're there to compete and not to make the numbers up. These players deserve this opportunity and we aim to keep that going."
