Leicester’s run this season has been nothing short of a fairytale. From being in the relegation battle this time last season, to topping the league this time around with a guaranteed top three and hence a UEFA Champions League spot, Leicester’s story is the stuff of romanticized footballing dreams.
With a five point lead over their rivals Tottenham and only four games to play, Leicester are in the driving seat and top contenders to take the League title.
Ahead of their Sunday fixture against Swansea Ranieri spoke to the press and for the first time admitted that they were thinking about the glory.
“It is this year or never more. We achieved the Champions League – a great achievement for everyone but now we try to win the title with all our strength, all our heart, our soul, everything.”
Ranieri has been pushing his players for a further eight points to cement their place at the top
“We need eight points and we are champions, and we try to do this. I said to my players that now is the right moment to push.”
Ranieri insisted that there is no such thing as a “secret to success” for his side’s performance this season. He owes it to the players and the friendships that they have with each other which lead to the cohesiveness in the side.
Leicester’s lead was cut from seven to five when they drew against West Ham and Tottenham beat Stoke by 4-0. In a question as to if his team was feeling the pressure of the final stretch, he said
“When I managed in Italy, you can’t believe the kind of pressure you have there. It’s not pressure here. I enjoy here.”
Ranieri was also confident that they can beat Swansea without their star striker Jamie Vardy who was suspended in the game against West Ham.
The 64 year old has had a vast experience with managing sides in England, Italy, Spain and France however he has been domestic title-less all these years.
“This is something in special circumstances and that is why I say ‘now or never more’, because next season will be different. The big teams will be stronger and better but of course we are doing something special this season.” He further added
As things go, it seems as if this might be the first domestic title for Ranieri, one which he himself wouldn’t have predicted.
