Ranieri: Be Ready

- The City boss’ message to those not involved as much this term is to be ready to take their chance when called upon 

- Ranieri has started the least amount of players of any Premier League side this term 

- The Foxes take on Newcastle United at King Power Stadium on Monday night 

Claudio Ranieri says every member of his Leicester City squad must be ready to fight when called upon, as he prepares his players to face Newcastle United. 

Ranieri has started the least amount of players of any Premier League side this campaign – just 18 – but Leicester’s success this season has not just been down to the starting XI, according to the City boss. 

Ranieri explained that while some players have been limited to minutes on the pitch this term, they still have a role to play and must be ready when selected. 

“I prefer a good relationship,” Ranieri said. “I have to tell them ‘you don’t play’ but it’s important they do everything right because in my career I always need somebody, so it’s important at the right moment, when I call you, you are ready to play. 

“Something special happens if all the team are working well because a manager always needs all his players, not only the first XI. 

“Sometimes the other players are more important than the first XI, because when you call one of them it’s important they believe something could happen with them.” 

The talent within City’s ranks is undeniable, and Ranieri says it is important for his players to know that they have his backing on and off the pitch. 

He added: “I don’t like to speak a lot. I just say little things so they feel I am behind them. That is important for me. 

“I have good players. Every time I choose the players in good condition. I was so sad that I don’t give to them more opportunities, because they deserve the opportunity to play.”