Ranieri: We Didn't Make Them Fight

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri was frustrated at the manner in which his team conceded goals after a comprehensive UEFA Champions League defeat to FC Porto at the Estadio Do Dragao.

- Leicester City beaten 5-0 by FC Porto in the final UEFA Champions League Group G fixture at Estadio Do Dragao

- Claudio Ranieri made 10 changes to his starting XI for the game

- Youngster Harvey Barnes made his senior debut as a late substitute

- The Foxes were already through to the last-16 prior to the match

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri was frustrated at the manner in which his team conceded goals after a comprehensive UEFA Champions League defeat to FC Porto at the Estadio Do Dragao.

The Foxes were beaten 5-0 on the night, with Andre Silva (2), Yacine Brahimi, Jesus Corona and Diogo Jota finding the net, although the result didn't change City's position at the top of Group G.

Ranieri made 10 changes to his side from the weekend defeat to Sunderland as he looked to give opportunities to his squad - including 18-year-old Harvey Barnes who made his senior debut as a late substitute.


"I have no regrets because I wanted to give an opportunity to all my players," Ranieri said afterwards. "If I needed to win or draw, I would bring all my first team to fight. But when you know there is another difficult match Saturday against Man City and you are top of the group, why not give a chance to players who say ‘why I don’t play? We are losing in the Premier League, give me a chance’. 

"For this reason, I give a chance to them. That’s it. Then, the result is my fault but they missed a great chance. We wanted to see something different tonight, but it was too easy for Porto. We didn't make them fight to score."

Midfielder Danny Drinkwater returned to the side but was withdrawn with a knock late on - something that the manager hopes won't keep him out of action.

He added: "Drinkwater's injury doesn't look serious. He is suspended for Saturday anyway, but he should be okay. 

"I have a clearer idea about my players now. We need to focus on the Premier League and change our position. 

"We can lose, but I want us to show our character and our strength. We didn't do that well enough tonight." 

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