Ranieri’s Respect For FC Porto

- The Portuguese giants have won Europe’s elite competition twice 

- City host Nuno Espirito Santo’s men at Leicester City Stadium on Tuesday evening (7.45pm KO) 

- Ranieri wants his side to react positively to their Premier League defeat to Manchester United 

Claudio Ranieri is under no illusions as to the challenge that his side face when they host FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening. 

While the Portuguese outfit have not recorded a victory in the last 16 games that they have played in England, they come to Leicester on a productive run of form having won four of their first six league fixtures. 

The two-time winners of the most prestigious knockout competition in club football – their titles coming in 1987 and 2004 – have made appearances in 29 Champions League campaigns. 

Their wealth of European experience is undoubted, not least by Ranieri, who has a great respect for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men. 

“We have lot respect for Porto because they’re a more experienced team in Europe and the Champions League,” Ranieri said. 

“They’ve played so many matches in the Champions League and they’re used to staying top of league. They’ve won six titles in last 10 years and are now third in the league. 

“We respect a lot but we try to win – Porto will also try to win with different style, but both teams will be trying to win.” 

The Foxes head into the clash with Porto on the back of a difficult Premier League loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford, but time and time again we have seen City regroup and bounce back when defeated. 

That is exactly what the City boss wants to see on Tuesday. 

Ranieri added: “I’m not happy when my teams slow down and don’t react. We can concede a goal but I want to see us react every time. 

“I spoke to them and I’m very sure they understood everything. Of course we can concede a goal but I want to see my team to continue to play.”