Leicester's Champions League knockout qualification is 'unbelievable', says Claudio Ranieri
Wednesday 23 November 2016 11:29, UK
Claudio Ranieri says Leicester's qualification for the Champions League last 16 is "unbelievable" and awaits a "fairytale" last 16 tie.
The Foxes reached the knockout stage of European football's top club competition after Shinji Okazaki's early strike and Riyad Mahrez's penalty secured a 2-1 victory over Club Brugge and top spot in Group G with a game to spare.
Porto's 0-0 draw in Copenhagen means Leicester go to Estadio do Dragao next month with their future settled and the Portuguese side needing victory to ensure they progress ahead of Copenhagen.
Leicester have struggled domestically and are two points above the relegation zone but Ranieri believes his side have created more history in Europe after victory at the King Power Stadium.
"It's not important [who Leicester play in the last 16], believe me. I hope to be there in good condition. The name is not important. It will be another fairytale, win or lose," he said.
"I don't know which team we'll play but it'll be a fantastic team.
"It's unbelievable, top of the group. I am very happy and very proud for my players, very happy for the chairman and the fans. It's another journey through to the knockout - unbelievable.
"It's very important to top the group, now our minds must go on the Premier League. I want to push my players to think about the Premier League now our job is done.
"Now we have to go back into the Premier League as we are very close to the relegation zone and we must play at the same level of the Champions League."
Brugge improved in the second half on Tuesday and gave Leicester work to do when Jose Izquierdo scored early in the second half - the first goal the Foxes have conceded in 412 minutes in Europe this season.
"It's very strange, We were playing so well, I think we had 70 per cent possession and created a lot of chances," Ranieri added.
"We concede a goal on the counter attack, why? An Italian manager conceding a goal on the counter attack? It's crazy."
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