Hull City vs Leicester City: 'More chance of ET landing in Piccadilly Circus' than Foxes retaining the Premier League

The Premier League champions face newly-promoted, manager-less Hull City this weekend

Claudio Ranieri gives his Leicester players instructions during the Community Shield (Getty)

Claudio Ranieri has claimed ET landing in Piccadilly Circus is more likely to happen than champions Leicester City defending their Premier League crown this season.

The Italian will take the Foxes to East Yorkshire to face newly-promoted, manager-less Hull City this weekend and he was in a typically daffy mood when quizzed on his side’s chances of retaining the title they won so unexpectedly in May.

“I work to be safe,” the former Chelsea manager said, echoing the melody he sung throughout the title-winning campaign. “I say to my fans: ‘We want to be safe, to build a team, anything more and that’s fantastic.’ It’s not normal that we can win the league.

“It’s more difficult than last season. It’s easier that ET comes to Piccadilly Circus.”

The 64-year-old is fiercely competitive, however, and has expressed his desire to keep Leicester in the upper reaches of the table during other interviews this summer.

The East Midlands outfit, who defied odds of 5,000/1 last season, are also preparing for their maiden campaign in the Champions League.

“I think the bookies have to pay 6,000/1 now,” he said. “We are ready to defend our title but we know it is a different gap. The big teams will be back I am sure. They can’t make the same mistake for another year.

“They lost one season in the life of a big team. There are five, six teams who can win it this year. It will be a good fight.”