Claudio Ranieri says new signings must have 'heart and spirit'
Thursday 19 May 2016 11:54, UK
Claudio Ranieri says Leicester will only sign players who can "live with our family."
The City boss will try to strengthen his squad this summer after completing a remarkable Premier League title triumph.
The Foxes will have an extra competition to play in - the Champions League - so Ranieri will attempt to add depth to cope with the extra games.
But the Italian does not expect big-name superstars to come to the King Power Stadium. Speaking on their post-season tour of Thailand, where they undertook a bus parade through Bangkok, Ranieri said their mentality and spirit is more important.
"For us it's not so important to bring some superstars, it's important to bring the players that play with heart and with the soul," he said.
"This was one of our secrets this season and for us it is important. For me it is important to have two players for each position because we have a lot competitions to do and it is important to be ready for each competition.
"The new players have to be able to play with us. I won't just accept any player. If they join us, they have to live with our family, the way we are."
And Ranieri says that Leicester's unexpected success on the pitch will be matched with ambitious plans off it.
"We already have plans to expand the stadium, including the land next to the stadium to do other businesses but that's not about football," he said. "It's more for people in the city to be able to use our facility."
Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and his son Aiyawatt - known as 'Top' - are with the squad in Bangkok.
'Top' said Ranieri would be backed in the market, but added that he does not expect large numbers of new faces.
"I am extremely happy with the current squad we have, but next season we have so many more competitions," he said. "We have to add some players. Maybe we will add three or four.
"If we sign more it will not be down to me, but the scouts and manager. They have the sharp eyes to bring in amazing players."
'Top' added that he wants Leicester to help develop young Thai players, with the long-term aim of building a national team that can qualify for the World Cup.
The club already hosts a group of 16 talented young Thai trainees and that is set to continue.
"I'd like to see Thailand secure their first ever World Cup berth in 10 years," he said. "We have a plan. It's up to the Thai kids, whether they can absorb the English tradition, the professionalism."
