But my players don’t want pizza, maybe they don’t love pizza!
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Claudio Ranieri, who earned his nickname after implementing a rotation system at Chelsea, has led the Foxes to second in the Premier League table with five games played.
Now, ahead of a tricky trip to Stoke, Ranieri is using the promise of pizza to gently emphasise that Leicester haven’t yet kept a clean sheet.
“Riyad is not thinking about the rumours and is focused on his season with Leicester and wants to continue his fine form”.
He added: “I told them, if you keep a clean sheet, I’ll buy pizza for everybody”. The departure of star midfielder Esteban Cambiasso was another significant blow before a ball had been kicked.
So far this season, Mahrez has been directly involved in more goals than any other PL player (six – four goals, two assists) and has beaten his opponent with a dribble on a league-high 22 occasions.
Ranieri said on-loan winger Nathan Dyer, who scored an 89th minute headed victor against Villa and was then hit on the head by goalkeeper Brad Guzan, was fit for the match at the Britannia Stadium.
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When asked if Leicester’s ambitions had altered following their flying start to the campaign, he replied: “I change my target to from 40 points…to 40 points”.
As ever, Leicester will hope to expose Stoke on the counterattack with the side’s frightening pace wreaking havoc.
Whilst the fourth fastest player this season, Mame Diouf, lines up for the hosts, the top three will all be playing for Claudio Ranieri’s surprise packages.
‘The fans have been brilliant this season at home and away.
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Leicester City fan Ben Jacobs is a sports presenter for the Arabian Radio Network.
