Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare chasing 'unbelievable' record
Friday 31 March 2017 23:55, UK
Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare admits joining the Premier League's elite managers would be "unbelievable" as he chases a record.
The 53-year-old will become the first English manager to win his first four Premier League matches if the Foxes beat Stoke on Saturday.
He has won all four games - including guiding Leicester to the Champions League quarter finals - since replacing Claudio Ranieri in February.
Only Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola have won their opening four Premier League matches.
Shakespeare said: "To be mentioned in the same breath as them is unbelievable. I would take great pride in that if it happens but the rewards are secondary in terms of the team and the bigger picture.
"I'd be stupid to say otherwise (that he could not have wished for a better start) but it was one I thought the players were capable of. It's very pleasing for not just me but the players, the staff, the owners and supporters.
"We are not safe. There are a lot of twists and turns to come. We're proof of that, three games ago in the Premier League we were down there and people were writing us off. Form can turn quickly.
"We know in football every game is different. Stoke will be a very big test. One we will be ready for but we have to keep our feet firmly on the ground."
Shakespeare's contract as manager only lasts until the end of the season and there has been no time frame placed on discussions to extend it.
He remains confident any uncertainty will not affect Leicester's summer transfer plans and is relaxed about his long-term future.
"I am quite open to whenever they want to. It is stated that the manager's contract is to the end of the season. I don't see any reason to speak before that unless the club want to," said Shakespeare.
"I am quite comfortable about that. There is no clauses, nothing, only that it is until the end of the season.
"We have a head of recruitment and a recruitment department. I speak to them regularly because I'm interested in it. It's a big issue at any club and I think it would be remiss of me not to take an interest in it. How much of an influence I can have you'll have to ask the club but I have a real interest."
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Meanwhile, Danny Drinkwater is fit after being left out of the England squad due to a hip flexor problem.
Shakespeare added: "We let both medical departments (England and Leicester) discuss it. Whenever there is a call-up there will be a call before that in terms of how his well-being is. The outcome was that Danny will be rested (from the England squad). From a personal point of view I am grateful for that."
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