Claudio Ranieri: I don’t fear getting sacked at Leicester

CLAUDIO RANIERI does not fear the sack, after leading Leicester to a miracle Premier League triumph last May.

The Italian’s fairytale romp to the title against all the odds last season led to him being voted FIFA Manager of the Year.

But this season’s defence has turned into a horror story with the Foxes just two points off the drop zone.

Bizarrely their Champions League form has been impeccable and they go into tonight’s clash at Portuguese side Porto having already won the group.

But the heat is on Ranieri and his players back home although he insists it’s not something he’s losing sleep over.

Ranieri said: “It doesn’t worry me at all, it’s not my decision. The owner is always behind us and is always positive.

“Of course he’s not happy, no one at the club is. When we win, we win together and when we lose, we lose together.

“My experience says it is important to stay calm and be positive, believe in your players and do the best for your team.

“Leicester are used to being in a battle. Two years ago it was a battle with relegation, then last year it was a battle to win the title.

“The mentality is the same. I’m happy with the players and they are trying their best.

“Maybe they are paying for what happened last season.

“It’s difficult, but if you continue to believe then sooner or later we will change the momentum.”

Ranieri tackles Porto without two of his top players, having decided to leave both goal ace Jamie Vardy and winger Riyad Mahrez at home.

They have been rested with the weekend’s big clash against Manchester City in mind.

Ranieri dismissed suggestions that resting star names only cranked up the pressure to get back to winning ways.

He added: “When you play well you get all the credit and when you lose the critics get negative, it’s normal.

“We have to stay balanced. We have to be the same – up or down.”