Ranieri Calls For Concentration Against West Ham

- The Foxes take on the Hammers in the Capital One Cup Third Round at King Power Stadium on Tuesday night

- Manager says results are more important than clean sheets

The Foxes recorded a resounding 4-1 win away at Bury in the previous round but face an altogether tougher challenge against West Ham at King Power Stadium this time around. 

Ranieri’s side have played some memorising football in recent weeks and are yet to be beaten this campaign, but the Hammers have so far won at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City on the road. 

And despite City recording a 2-1 win at Upton Park in the league last month, City are yet to keep a clean sheet – leading the manager to call for an attentive and disciplined approach from his side. 

“I want to keep a clean sheet but is important to win, and to win against a very strong team,” said Ranieri. 

“They are in a good position in the table and are above us. They won three times away against fantastic teams – Arsenal Liverpool and Man City. What more do you want? That’s a fantastic start from West Ham, but we are ready. 

“They won against Arsenal and wanted to beat us. But we concentrated, showed some very good football and won the match. I’m sure Tuesday will be a different kind of match. We have to be very careful because when they play away, they are very dangerous. 

“We have to be very attentive and concentrate all the time.” But while the clean sheet is yet to arrive for the Foxes, Ranieri isn’t overly concerned – as long as the good results keep coming. 

“Maybe in this moment we are not defending matches, we are trying to win matches. Tactically we try to win. We don’t close all the space and wait. 

“I’m Italian, but I want to attack. But of course my blood is Italian and when I concede a goal I get crazy. But in this moment it’s much better to win 2-1. That is important. 

“We have a very good history in the cup and we want to do a very good match. I am convinced that the team will play well and try to win the match. 

“West Ham play good football and they close the space. I’ve watched some matches and they have very good players and they can have a very good campaign.”