Ranieri: FA Cup draw with Spurs felt like a defeat

Scott Anderson
Claudio Ranieri: Returns to Chelsea on last day of the season

Claudio Ranieri: Returns to Chelsea on last day of the season

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri admits that their 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the FA Cup feels like a defeat after Harry Kane scored a late penalty to deny the Foxes a win. 

Leicester came from behind to lead 2-1 at White Hart Lane, but Spurs captain Harry Kane converted a late spot kick to salvage a 2-2 draw for the home side.

The Foxes were within minutes of a stunning victory over Spurs, but Kane’s goal forced a replay in the third round tie.

And Leicester boss Ranieri admitted that the draw felt like a defeat having conceded so late on.

Speaking after the game, Ranieri said: “Yes of course because there were very few minutes at the end of the match and there was this penalty.”

“I didn’t see the penalty because there were two players in front of me and I don’t know if they touched, but the more important thing was the referee gave this penalty.

“I was very pleased with our performance because eight players without play – some play sometimes, in the League Cup – and now they replay now in the FA Cup and I think they deserve a positive result.

“I was pleased with those that played today. They deserved a positive result and 2-2 remains a positive result.

Leicester now face Spurs again in a Premier League clash on Wednesday, and with the prospect of a replay they will face Mauricio Pochettino’s side three times in January.

“The priority remains the Premier League,” said Ranieri. “But we want to progress in the FA Cup. I’m pleased we have another chance.”