Riyad Mahrez: Claudio Ranieri expects ‘more Leicester defeats’ but ‘champion’ Algerian could make the difference

The Italian has been up to his usual tricks taking the pressure of the Foxes

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri (Getty)

Claudio Ranieri has admitted that he expects more Leicester defeats in the coming season as the Foxes look to defend their Premier League title.

Leicester made history last May as they were crowned champions of England having finished ten points clear of second-placed Arsenal.

The Foxes took the league by storm under Ranieri, losing only three games throughout the entirety of the 2015/16 season – twice to Arsenal and once to Liverpool.

But Ranieri has confessed that his side won’t enjoy the same ride this time round.

“Now this season of course, I’m very curious, first of all, to see how we react,” he said in an interview to ESPN.

“I want to show we react, what happens, because I’m sure there will be more defeats. It’s normal.”

Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have all strengthened under their new managers and look poised to stage a considerable challenge for the title.

With the added consideration of Champions League football, the Foxes have quite the task on their hands in replicating last season’s success.

Amid extensive reports linking Riyad Mahrez away from the King Power Stadium, Ranieri has stressed that the Algerian winger will prove intrinsic to Leicester’s campaign next season, calling him the team’s “champion”.

Ranieri said: "I think Mahrez for us is very important as our light. If he goes in another big team, there are so many lights, so many stars, why?

“"Stay with us, it's much better, much better. He's our champion. If he goes in another team, there are so many champions.”

The Italian added that he has established a strong relationship with the Algerian and will be able to help the player develop.

"He knows me, I know him very well and I understand when he plays so-so and I can permit to stay on the pitch,” Ranieri said.

“When another manager, when he plays so-so, there are so many other stars I put him on the bench.

"It's important you give confidence. But if you put him on the bench he gets down. I think, I hope he can stay with us because it's important for us and it's important for him."