Thursday 4 February 2016 21:42, UK
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri says his team remain the underdogs in the Premier League title race, despite their three-point advantage at the top of the table.
Ranieri says there "will only be tough matches" between now and the end of the season, starting on Saturday, when they face a summit meeting with second-placed Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Foxes continue to defy any expectations that they will fall away in the title battle, beating Liverpool 2-0 on Tuesday to remain out in front.
But Ranieri thinks City, plus Tottenham and Arsenal, who lie third and fourth, remain more likely winners.
"The others are the favourites, not Leicester," said the Italian. "We are still the underdogs.
"Who will win? The strongest team.
"Manchester City are built to win the title and fight for the Champions League. I think the Champions League is their main objective, and I hope they can win.
"Our fans continue to dream, and that is what we want.
"We know it will be another tough match [at Man City]. But from now, to the end, there will only be tough matches.
"Now there is a battle for the title, Europe, and relegation. The window is closed, everyone is improved. I am relaxed because we are having a very good season."
Ranieri is certainly not planning on shutting up shop at the weekend, adding: "It will be an open match, because they want to win, and so do we, to get away.
"Maybe in the end it is a draw, you never know in football!"
A fascinating subplot on Saturday will be the battle between Leicester striker Vardy, who has scored 18 Premier League goals this season, and brilliant City forward Sergio Aguero.
Asked which of the duo he would rather have in his team, Ranieri said: "I would have both! They can both play together, it would be fantastic.
"Sergio is a guarantee, no? Every year. This is Jamie's first time. I hope for him and for us, he will be fantastic the next season, and next season, and next season.
"Jamie is playing very well and he links very well with his team-mates - but he must improve."
Vardy is in talks about an improved new contract, which would keep him at the King Power Stadium until 2019.
Ranieri did not have any further details but said he was certain any increase in Vardy's earnings would not antagonise the rest of the dressing room.
"I don't ask about this," he said. "It's not my job. I look at him in training and he is doing well, and that's OK.
"I don't think they will resent him. The strikers in every team earn a little more."
I would have both! They can both play together, it would be fantastic.
Vardy scored both goals against Liverpool on Tuesday and Ranieri was still waxing lyrical about the first of them, a first-time volley from long-range.
"It's incredible what Vardy did," said the manager. "He watched the ball, watched the opponent and watched the keeper. It's amazing, fantastic.
"I can put him with Marco Van Basten when he makes a fantastic goal. I don't know if you watched Francesco Totti when he scored against Sampdoria [in 2006]? They are amazing goals."
