Claudio Calls For Consistency

- Ranieri says he has been impressed with Southampton’s good run of form 

- The City boss believes recording more clean sheets will help the Foxes build momentum 

- The Saints visit King Power Stadium on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League (2.15pm kick-off) 

Claudio Ranieri wants his Leicester City side to replicate the same consistency that saw them storm to the Premier League title last term. 

Southampton visit King Power Stadium on Sunday afternoon having won four of their last five games, while the Foxes are yet to be beaten at home in the Premier League this term. 

The Saints are without doubt set to be a tough opponent for Ranieri’s men, but an impressive 1-0 UEFA Champions League over FC Porto on Tuesday sees City head into the game on a high. 

Now, Ranieri wants his side to show the same mettle that saw them battle to that victory, starting against Southampton on Sunday. 

Talking to the press ahead of the fixture, Ranieri said: “Now I’m looking at this big match against Southampton. I watched them last night [against Hapoel Be’er Sheva] and they played very well. 

“They’re very solid and had good possession and moved the ball very well. They’re very dangerous up front so it will be a very tough match for us but it’s good. 

“Now, we’re up and down. In the Premier League we play so-so and in the Champions League so far we play good. I want consistency. 

“Consistency was one of the key things last season and I want my players to have the same fighting spirit as they did in the last match.” 

Following an impressive performance that exuded togetherness, City recorded their fourth clean sheet of the 2016/17 campaign against FC Porto and Ranieri believes shutouts will be key if his side are to build momentum. 

“I hope to make some matches in a row with a clean sheet,” added the Leicester boss. “It will be very good with us. 

“When you have clean sheets, you increase your confidence. You stay more solid and get better.”