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Claudio Ranieri: Leicester boss excited to join a 'great club in England'

New Leicester boss praises 'amazing' set-up at the East Midlands club

Samuel Stevens
Monday 20 July 2015 16:06 BST
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New Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri hailed the squad he has inherited from predecessor Nigel Pearson as he was officially unveiled this afternoon.

The 63-year-old former Chelsea boss, flanked by chief executive Susan Whelan and director of football Jon Rudkin, signed a three-year contract last Monday.

Having taken charge of his first training session at the club's Belvoir Drive training ground earlier today, Ranieri is optimistic that his return to English football will be a successful one.

"I'm very excited to start a new season," he said. "Leicester is a great club in England and I'm very happy to be here. Today at the training ground was amazing.

"There are so many people working hard for Leicester and the players are so strong. They work hard with passion and heart. Not only the players, but the staff here too.

"We must continue to build a solid foundation, then start to improve. I will improve the players tactically too."

Esteban Cambiasso's future remains an issue for Leicester

Ranieri has prioritised securing Esteban Cambiasso's future since arriving in the East Midlands and revealed that he has already spoken with the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan star.

"I have spoke with Esteban," he continued. "I've known him since Inter and I told him 'I need you'. Now I need a yes or no. He's a leader, and if he's not here I need another leader."

Cambiasso, who turns 35 this year, delivered a series of stunning displays to help preserve Leicester's Premier League status last season, scoring five goals along the way.

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