Leicester's Jamie Vardy a 'crazy story', says Southampton boss Ronald Koeman
Saturday 2 April 2016 23:08, UK
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has described Jamie Vardy's rise from non-league striker to England international as a "crazy story".
The Dutchman hailed the meteoric rise of the Leicester front man, who four years ago was playing in the fifth tier of English football for Fleetwood, as an inspiration to young lower league players.
Koeman's side travel to the King Power Stadium on Super Sunday to face the league leaders, who could go seven points clear of Tottenham with a win over the Saints.
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"It's a crazy story and that gives everybody a good ambition," Koeman said. "If you work hard, if you develop yourself, then you can be a big player.
"Even if you start in the lower league then there is always something possible, I think he has shown everyone that. He is a crazy story, but it is great.
"If he doesn't score Sunday, he can score hat-tricks every game no problem with me."
Claudio Ranieri's team have been a revelation this season and Koeman is pleased to see the division's big-spending sides not having things all their own way for once.
He said: "It is one, maybe two teams who are being regular and that is Tottenham and Leicester and the other teams are making too many mistakes.
"It is nice to see. It is not all about money. That is good, if you create a good team spirit, if you have a really good organisation in your team - we showed that last year like they have this season.
"We had a little experience last season where we had a good run in a high place, but we didn't keep it up until the end of the season and Leicester are showing that they will fight for the title until the end of the season and that is amazing."
