- Riyad Mahrez and David Nugent on target at the New York Stadium
- Foxes conclude pre-season schedule with a trip to Birmingham City on Saturday
Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri says he feels positive for the season ahead following his side’s 2-1 pre-season friendly win at Rotherham United.
The fixture swiftly followed the victory over Burton Albion just 24 hours earlier, allowing the City boss to field a total of 23 players over the two games.
After a goalless first half against the Millers, Riyad Mahrez would be the man to break the deadlock, curling in from the edge of the box on 56 minutes.
Striker David Nugent then converted with a powerful drive from 20 yards to double the Foxes’ advantage, before the hosts pulled one back through Grant Ward with 10 minutes to play.
Reflecting on the win, Ranieri told Foxes Player HD: “I’m happy, we played against a good team. For us it was an improvement. It was another 90 minutes for the other 11 players. We played some good football, scored two goals and had some other chances.
“I don’t like to concede a goal, but now it’s important to focus against Birmingham and then the start of the season against Sunderland.
“In the first half it was important to know the opponent and keep possession of the ball, and in the second half to go straight away and try to make something different.”
City’s 2015/16 Barclays Premier League opener against Sunderland at King Power Stadium is fast approaching, and Ranieri believes his side are well prepared for when they take to the field on Saturday 8 August.
“I feel good,” Ranieri added. “I think the team is ready for the start of the season. I know last season that they played in different systems – we can do the same this season. Now, I will look at tonight’s game and the other training sessions and I will choose a staring XI.
“I think we are focused on the first match [against Sunderland], then the second match and then throughout the season. We have to fight every match with our character and strength.”