Leicester vs Watford: Claudio Ranieri says 'I want to kill him' ahead of meeting with Quique Sanchez Flores

The East Midlands outfit entertain the Hornets at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon

Claudio Ranieri has organised his side into a fast, exciting unit (Getty Images)

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has joked he wants to get revenge on Quique Sanchez Flores this weekend after the Watford boss replaced him at Valencia in 2005.

The East Midlands outfit entertain the Hornets at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon knowing they could, other results permitting, go level with Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Speaking about his dismissal at the Mestalla ten years ago, Ranieri smirked: “Yeah, big revenge! I want to kill him! This is football, he is a nice man.”

The Italian also took advantage of the opportunity to defuse recent speculation in France that Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain are poised to make a move for Riyad Mahrez in January.

Along with England striker Jamie Vardy, Mahrez has helped propel Leicester into the upper regions of the table after many national pundits tipped them for relegation at the beginning of the campaign.

"That's good because it means we have very good players," Ranieri said. "It's only speculation, he's happy with us.”

The Algerian international’s agent Kamel Bengougam addressed the rumours earlier this week, insisting he has not discussed his client’s future with anyone at Old Trafford.

"I don't have any contact with Manchester United about Mahrez," Bengougam said. "He is only focused on this season with Leicester City."