Claudio Ranieri Dismisses Italy Speculation

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has dismissed speculation he is being lined up to succeed Antonio Conte as Italy manager.  reports claim Ranieri is the man being lined up to succeed him but the Italian insists Leicester are his sole focus and reminded the assembled media his previous managerial role in international football with Greece ended in disaster.

Leicester increased their lead at the top of the table to three points in midweek as they watched Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City all lose on Wednesday following their 2-2 draw with West Brom on Tuesday.  When asked about the report, Ranieri said: “I could be glad but it's only speculation. Now, I focus only on Leicester. Last time I managed a national team, it didn't go so well. It's only speculation”

With just 10 games to play, the pressure is ramping up on all teams involved in the title race but Ranieri insists Leicester must continue to focus on themselves and avoid getting hung up on the results of their rivals. Ranieri said ahead of his side's game against Watford, “My philosophy, and I try to put this in the mind of my players, is we have to think what we can do, not look at the others. It's not important. We do our best, play well, and if someone is over us, we say well done. It is not important what the others do. It is important what we do and how we play. I am a strange man, because against Norwich we got three points but I wasn't happy. Against West Brom, only one point, but I am happy”.