Ranieri: Leicester will be even better next year

Scott Anderson
Claudio Ranieri and Jamie Vardy: Scoop November prizes

Claudio Ranieri and Jamie Vardy: Scoop November prizes

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri believes the surprise Premier League leaders will be even better next season.

The Foxes are currently top of the Premier League after 13 games, and face Louis Van Gaal’s second-placed Man Utd at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

But the Italian manager, who replaced Nigel Pearson as manager this summer, says that his side can become even better.

“I think we’re building a very big construction. I believe in the next year Leicester will grow. We are very happy,” he said.

“Some people say Leicester can remain at the top, others say it’s just a moment. I’m glad for the fans but we’re just focused.

“It’s an open season but our goal is 40 points. I’m very curious about how we respond to these big matches.

“We know that sooner or later we will lose. We just want to show our great character. The spirit of our group is so strong.

“Saturday is a great challenge for us to improve. We’ve had good matches but we also have weaknesses and we have to cover them.”

All eyes will be on star striker Jamie Vardy on Saturday, as the 28-year-old looks to break Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s Premier League record of scoring in 10 consecutive games, against the Dutchman’s former club.

And Ranieri is hoping that Vardy can become the first player in Premier League history to score in 11 successive games.

“I hope for Jamie Vardy and for the fans that he breaks the record,” said the 64-year-old.

“Jamie Vardy is a champion. For me he’s a champion because he thinks more about the team than himself.

“Manchester United’s defensive line is fantastic. They defend like a unit and it’s difficult to break their lines.

“We’re top of the table and in this moment I think we deserve it, but this is another match to understand where we can improve.”