Champions League: Ranieri Admits Leicester Were Poor Against Porto
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri claims his side’s humiliating defeat away to FC Porto in the final group G game on Wednesday has offered him a clearer picture of his players ahead of this weekend’s clash against Manchester City.
Ranieri watched from the sidelines as his side suffered their ninth defeat of the season in all competition, crashing 5-0 away to Porto at the Estadio Dragao- their heaviest in the UEFA Champions League.
The Italian gaffer said in his post-match conference that his side lacked character and strength throughout the encounter.
“We wanted to see something different tonight, but it was too easy for Porto. We didn’t make them fight to score,” he began.
“I have a clearer idea about my players now. We need to focus on the Premier League and change our position.”
“We can lose, but I want us to show our character and our strength. We didn’t do that well enough tonight.”
He also allayed fears that Danny Drinkwater could be out for a lengthy injury spell.
“Drinkwater’s injury doesn’t look serious. He is suspended for Saturday anyway, but he should be ok.”
Despite the defeat, Leicester finished top of Group G and could draw PSG, Benfica, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid or Sevilla in the round of 16.
More Stories
UPDATE: UEFA APPOINTS ETHICS, DISCIPLINARY INSPECTOR TO INVESTIGATE PREMIER LEAGUE REFEREE COOTE
Following the release of a video purporting to show Premier League referee David Coote sniffing white powder during Euro 2024,...
OUTRAGE IN ARGENTINA AS INFLUENCER LINES UP FOR FIRST DIVISION MATCH
An Argentinian club drew the ire of the country’s football community after selecting an influencer with no professional experience in...
ENTERTAINMENT: PORTUGAL HONOUR CRISTIANO RONALDO WITH #QuinasDeOuro2024 AWARD
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s iconic footballer and record-breaking scorer, was honoured Monday night with the prestigious Platinum Quinas trophy at the...
2025 AFCON QUALIFIERS: BENIN VS NIGERIA AND FULL LIST OF OTHER FIXTURES
Countries will compete over the weekend as they vie for spots in the qualification race for the 2025 Africa Cup...
AFCON 2025 QUALIFIERS: SIMON, CHUKWUEZE, SIX OTHERS ARRIVE EARLY IN ABIDJAN
Ahead of their AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze were among the early arrivals...
DRAW FOR INAUGURAL FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP SET FOR DECEMBER 5
The world’s best football clubs will discover their group stage opponents for the inaugural 32-club FIFA Club World Cup at...