Ranieri: Continue The Hard Work

- The Foxes drew 2-2 with Middlesbrough last time out thanks to Islam Slimani’s injury-time penalty 

- Ranieri wants his men to play with focus and character, starting at Sunderland on Saturday 

Claudio Ranieri says Leicester City must continue to put in the hard work if they are to see an upturn in form in the Premier League. 

While City have swept aside their opponents in the UEFA Champions League, they have found it difficult to replicate that form on the domestic front. 

But Ranieri, speaking after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough, knows the only way his side will improve their Premier League productivity is by working hard, as the Foxes now turn their attentions to facing Sunderland on Saturday. 

“I am confident, but we must work so hard with a strong mentality,” said Ranieri. “We have to live in two ways – the Champions League and the Premier League. 

“In the Champions League we are so happy, but in the Premier League we aren’t happy. It’s important now to be focused on the Premier League. We are very focused on what happens in the Premier League.” 

Concentration will now be key for the Foxes, who have a tricky run of fixtures in December, including clashes with Manchester City, Everton and West Ham United. 

The City boss continued: “Of course, something has happened. The players are human – they are not machines. It’s normal that they remember that everybody last season played well. 

“What everything did was good, but not this year. Now, we have to reconnect our brains. They must play with pressure. They must be focused and play with the same character. 

“If you are under pressure, you are very smart, attentive and careful about every breath, but if you are relaxed, it’s not possible.”