Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri cools title talk ahead of Christmas fixtures
Tuesday 22 December 2015 19:22, UK
Claudio Ranieri insists Leicester City are not title contenders, despite leading the Premier League table at Christmas.
Ranieri's side are two points clear of Arsenal with 38 points from 17 games ahead of a daunting Christmas schedule which sees them travel to Liverpool before hosting Manchester City.
Their 3-2 win at Everton last weekend was their third straight league victory, but despite suffering defeat only once this term, Ranieri is keen to ensure pressure is not placed on his players.
"We aren't ready. We aren't ready to fight to be champions," he said. "But football is fantastic for this reason. The best team does not always win. It's not tennis.
"I'm proud of my players and our fans. The fans are dreaming and I don't want to wake them up. We must enjoy, play free and without pressure. If the world are speaking about you, then you enjoy and continue to play."
Ranieri has long stated 40 points as his first target for Premier League safety and that remains in his mind ahead of their next two games.
"Anything could happen. If we win the next two matches, we have 44 points. At Liverpool, there's a very good atmosphere and we'll have to show our very best if we want to win there.
"I appreciate Jurgen Klopp a lot. I watched him in last season's winter break and saw how he worked. Liverpool have a very good manager."
Riyad Mahrez, with nine goals and 13 assists, has been one of the stars of Leicester's season and Ranieri is confident the winger will not be tempted away from the King Power Stadium.
"He will stay with us. He wants to stay with us. We want to keep him, that's it," added Ranieri.
"He has to improve and when he improves, he improves the team and when he improves the team, why would he want to leave? He is the king here. It's important for him to manage the stress of everybody speaking about him."
