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Leicester aiming for Europa League place, insists Claudio Ranieri

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Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri says Newcastle need to beat them in the Premier League on Monday night if they want to avoid relegation

Claudio Ranieri insists Leicester are just focused on achieving a Europa League place despite being favourites for the Premier League title.

The Foxes are two points clear at the top of the division as they head into the Monday Night Football clash at home to Newcastle, live on Sky Sports 1HD.

Leicester have been top since January but Ranieri insists they are not even thinking about qualifying for the Champions League.

He said: "Now we are fighting to achieve the Europa League. Can you imagine Leicester achieve the Europa League and next season we stay in the Europa League? Unbelievable.

"That is our goal. When we achieve this, I look how many matches are left. Maybe we can achieve the Champions League - wow, amazing - but the Europa League is the next little step.

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"Little targets are the match: Newcastle and after Crystal Palace - that is our step. Now I remember Newcastle and Crystal Palace, and after that we have a break and I forget."

He added: "When we have a five-point lead with less than one match and when the mathematics say yes, that is it. Believe me, we have won our title by saving the team.

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"My focus is on Newcastle, my study is on Newcastle, my obsession is Newcastle. When we played there, there were so many good players. Sometimes they play well and sometimes they are down.

"I can't understand but I am sure on Monday night it will be a battle and it is important we understand this."

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