Vardy Hails Ranieri Spirit

- The striker spoke after City’s 1-0 win over Watford in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday 

- Riyad Mahrez hit the only goal of the game as City moved five points clear at the top 

- Vardy insists that the only pressure the Foxes had this season was to survive 

Win, lose or draw, Claudio Ranieri just wants Leicester City to keep showing the same fight for each other that they have done all season, according to Jamie Vardy. 

The message from the manager in recent weeks has been to perform well and to fight in every match. It’s a formula that has certainly served the Foxes well so far this term and it’s an approach that is typical of Vardy. 

As the top scorer in the Barclays Premier League this season with 19 goals, Vardy has consistently set the tone from the front for the Foxes with an all-action approach and a desire to make something of every ball. 

Riyad Mahrez scored the only goal of the game on Saturday afternoon as the Foxes fought their way to a 1-0 win over Watford at Vicarage Road – a result that sent them five points clear at the top of the table. 

And speaking afterwards, Vardy gave an insight into just what the manager’s message to his players was. “As long as we are fighting for each other and playing well he is more than happy,” Vardy said. 

“He has come in, we have done well and are top of the league at the minute. All he wants us to do is just keep fighting for each other. 

“He says he does not mind if we win, lose or draw as long as we are showing that spirit between the boys and that we are trying, he is more than happy.” 

While attention is increasing on the Foxes with every fixture, Vardy insists that the surprise nature of their surge to the top of the Premier League means there is less pressure on them than their more established rivals. 

He added: “No-one gave us a chance at the start of the season. Everyone said we were relegation fodder. It was every newspaper and every pundit, wasn’t it? 

“The pressure that we had was up until we knew we were safe. Now we’re just enjoying it. Simple as that. “We’ve been on a good ride and we’re just going to keep enjoying it as it is. 

“We’re just taking each game as it comes and no-one expected us to be top so we’re just enjoying our football and doing what we’ve always done which is work hard for each other. 

“It’s managed to get us the three points [against Watford]. There is still a long way to go and you will always have doubters no matter how far you go.”