Claudio Ranieri: Owner unhappy with poor form

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri has admitted the club’s owner is not happy with their Premier League form but dismissed any fears over his future.

The champions are only two points above the relegation zone after suffering seven defeats in their first 14 league matches and lost 2-1 at Sunderland on Saturday.

Ranieri has left Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez at home for Wednesday’s Champions League game at Porto as he looks to revive their domestic season.

The Foxes lost only three league games en route to their shock title success last term, but Ranieri is unconcerned about losing his job despite the dissatisfaction of chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

“Never, because it’s not my decision,” he said. “The owner is always behind us, he always tells us how he can help us and is always positive. Of course he’s not happy — no one at the club is.

“When we win, we win together. When we lose, we lose together. My experience says it’s important to stay calm and be positive, believe in your players and do the best for your team.”

Robert Huth, Andy King, Islam Slimani and Kasper Schmeichel have also not travelled to Portugal as Ranieri looks to keep them fresh for Saturday’s visit of Manchester City.

Leicester have already qualified from Champions League Group G and are five points clear of second-placed Porto, who need to win to ensure they reach the last 16 ahead of FC Copenhagen.

Porto boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: “Leicester are a great team and we will not make it easy for them. We only think of ourselves and what we have to do — we have to work with each other to reach the round of 16.”