Speaking at a press conference, Ranieri said: “I’m very happy with the squad”.
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“I think the bookies have to pay 6,000/1 now”, he said.
But it’s not all bad news for new managers – at the other end of the betting spectrum Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola are the least likely for an early exit according to bookmakers, with odds ranging from 50-100/1.
“They lost one season and in the life of those big teams that can happen but, altogether, it only happens once in lifetime”.
Leicester is now 33-1 to retain its title and begins Saturday at newly promoted Hull.
“I work to be safe”, the manager said in a revival of the mantra he used last season when his Foxes were top of the league.
Previous champions Chelsea surrendered the title with a whimper and Arsenal were consistent only in their inconsistency, while Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool all underachieved. Well, it is fair to say that this term, the teams will have to train harder than ever because the competition in the league has reached its limit.
Ranieri has a fully fit squad ahead of the trip to the KC Stadium and reiterated his belief that last season’s PFA player of the year Riyad Mahrez is available for selection and will stay with the Foxes despite being continually linked with a move to Arsenal. I am very curious to see where we finish. “But now the big teams will come back, I am sure”.
Nampalys Mendy, Kante’s replacement, and 16.6 million pounds ($21.5 million, 19.3 million euros) record signing Ahmed Musa are among those in contention.
How Leicester fares is one of many intriguing sub-plots in the Premier League with Ranieri again insisting 40 points, normally the total good enough to stave off relegation, is his primary target.
Vardy’s 24 goals, including a Premier League record of a goal in 11 straight matches, combined with 17 for Mahrez, helped Leicester stun the favourites and maintain their nerve in the run-in.
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The Tigers remain the only side in the Premier League still searching for their first signing of the summer, a fact made all the more alarming by an injury crisis that has ruled out five of last season’s promotion-winning side during pre-season.
