Skip to content

Claudio Ranieri says Leicester need to be at their best against Copenhagen

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Claudio Ranieri believes his Leicester side have rediscovered the spirit that led them to the Premier League title last season

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri says his side can take nothing for granted ahead of Wednesday's Champions League match at FC Copenhagen.

The Foxes have cruised through their inaugural Champions League campaign so far, winning all three of their matches without conceding a goal.

And, having beaten Copenhagen 1-0 at the King Power a fortnight ago, a victory in the reverse fixture would ensure qualification for the last-16.

Watch NOW TV
Watch NOW TV

Watch Sky Sports for just £6.99. No contract.

But Ranieri warned: "I understand everybody wants to win but for us it's important to have everything in our hands. We can write a new chapter of the Leicester story but maybe it's not [on Wednesday].

"It's important to concentrate, because Copenhagen are well organised. I respect them a lot. We are very close to achieving something special."

Ranieri added that, while Ahmed Musa is expected to be fit for Wednesday, his fellow forward Islam Slimani will not be risked after missing Saturday's 1-1 draw at Tottenham with a groin injury.

"Slimani is not ready," Ranieri added. "I don't want to risk him.

Also See:

"The physio told me, 'He is okay but be careful'. Why use a player for one match and lose him for one month?"

Riyad Mahrez is congratulated after scoring the only goal of the game
Image: Riyad Mahrez is congratulated after scoring the winner in the first game against Copenhagen

Meanwhile, Ranieri is not getting overly worked up about Leicester's Champions League exploits and revealed that he spent Monday night dealing with a steady stream of trick-or-treaters at his Leicester home.

"I put a big bag of chocolates at the door," he said. "People came. Unbelievable. I came to the door, went back to my living room to watch the television, and 'ring!' and I go back.

"Then I put the chair very close to the door! It was good."

Around Sky