Ranieri not feeling the pressure

Cape Town - Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has insisted that he is not worried about his future as his side continue to struggle in the Premier League. 

Leicester enjoyed a fairy-tale campaign last season as they stunned all the major competitors and were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in history. 

This season though, things have not gone according to plan and the Foxes sit in 16th place on the standings, much to the disappointment of chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

"Never, because it's not my decision," Ranieri said. "The owner is always behind us, he always tells us how he can help us and is always positive. Of course he's not happy - no-one at the club is.

"When we win, we win together. When we lose, we lose together. My experience says it's important to stay calm and be positive, believe in your players and do the best for your team."

Things are a lot different in the Champions League as Leicester have already qualified for the last 16 going into their Group G clash with FC Porto on Wednesday. 

Since his side have already booked their spot in the next round of the competition, Ranieri has opted not to play Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, Robert Huth, Andy King, Islam Slimani and Kasper Schmeichel as he wants them to be well rested ahead of the team’s Premier League trip to Manchester City on Saturday. 

"If we had to win, maybe all my players would be here, but I can choose. Always I have said we have a very good team," he said. "There are some players who didn't play so far - they deserve their chance to show their potential.

"The players who can play have a chance to play on Saturday. We have three matches every three days now and I need all my players.

"When you don't do well or you lose, the critics must be negative, but inside we must be very balanced. Saturday will be another fantastic match, against another big team and in this match (against Porto) I could choose some players and rest the others.

"I love people who in difficult situations react and I have fantastic players. I am sure we will react very well."

Ranieri will be hoping that his men find form against a City team that will be looking to get back to winning ways after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

Kick off is scheduled for 19:30.