Claudio Ranieri ready to drop out-of-form Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez
Friday 2 December 2016 23:56, UK
Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri admits he is ready to drop out-of-form Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.
The pair were vital components in the Foxes' shock Premier League title win last season but have failed to recapture their form for the champions' title defence.
Vardy has failed to score in his past 15 club games - after netting 24 times last season - and reigning PFA Player of the Year Mahrez has just one assist and three league goals to his name this term.
On Saturday Leicester go to Sunderland, having won just one of their past eight games and with just a two-point cushion to the bottom three.
With the team in such poor form, Ranieri is prepared to find a way to win without his two stars.
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"Yes why not? I always try and put the best team on the pitch," said the Italian, who substituted both players in last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough. "When I think about how we are and how the opponent is I always think about the 90 minutes, not just the line-up.
"Wait until Saturday and you will see. I don't see a difference with Jamie this season and Jamie last season - only the goals. I think he's very close to scoring because it's not possible go to the end of season without scoring.
"He is a character who is not selfish. For me it's important the team scores a goal. Now I'd like Jamie to score a goal so we can say 'now it's your time'.
"I speak to Riyad and with everybody, with Riyad a little more - always with an arm round the shoulder, I kiss him! Maybe he needs more tough love.
"He is intelligent and he understands when my patience is finished or not. You will see [if it is]. I am always the same here [in press conferences] - face to face I change."
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