Claudio Ranieri tells Leicester players to make Premier League title dreams a reality
Sunday 24 April 2016 20:27, UK
Claudio Ranieri has urged his Leicester players to make their Premier League title dreams a reality following their 4-0 win over Swansea.
Leicester, who were without the suspended Jamie Vardy, moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and within five points of claiming the title thanks to two goals from Leanardo Ulloa and strikes from Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton at the King Power Stadium.
Ranieri's side's next challenge is a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United next Sunday and the Italian wants his side to give their all with a historic title firmly within their grasp.
"It was a magnificent performance," he told Sky Sports. "Without Jamie [Vardy], everyone else had to give that bit more.
"It was great to see my players fight. We had some difficulties, but everybody made sure we had a good match.
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"Now it is important for us to make our dreams a reality. Now is the right moment to give everything."
Leicester could still be without Vardy for the trip to Old Trafford as he could yet receive an extended ban for an improper conduct charge handed to him for his reaction to his red card during the 2-2 draw against West Ham.
His fate should be known on Monday when a three-person independent disciplinary panel convene to decide the England striker's punishment but Ranieri thinks his side can cope again without their top goalscorer.
"If Vardy is suspended for another game it's important we remain solid," Ranieri said.
"I'm very pleased with Ulloa. I was sure about his performance but I wasn't sure he would score two goals. Ulloa made two fantastic goals.
"I told Jeff [Schlupp], 'Now I need you. You are our strength'.
"He is so powerful and was another who had a good match. I'm pleased with all my players."
Despite being within five points of the finishing line, Ranieri refused to get carried away, claiming his side know they still face a tough battle with Tottenham, who face West Brom on Monday Night Football, in the race for title.
"We know it will still be tough, as Tottenham is a very good team," Ranieri added.
"We want to fight until the end."
