Ranieri: A Different Challenge

- The Foxes host Swansea City at King Power Stadium on Saturday

- Ranieri says there is no pressure on his side to record their first win ahead of the international break 

As Leicester City prepare for the visit of Swansea, manager Claudio Ranieri explained that his side’s Premier League campaign will be a much different one to last term. 

The Foxes beat Swansea City 4-0 in this fixture last season en route to one of the most memorable title triumphs in the history of football. 

Ranieri believes that Saturday’s goalless draw with Arsenal was a game that City were much improved in but went on to explain that they must fight harder to achieve something special this term. 

The Foxes boss told the media: “Last season, everything we did was fantastic. This season is different. We have to fight a lot to score goals and win the match. That’s it. 

“Last season we had the wind behind us and pushed so well. When I say this year is harder than last season, it’s because of this. Last season, everything came very well. 

“Now it’s too early to say if the wind is behind us but of course it was important because last season we conceded five goals with five counter attacks [against Arsenal]. This season we covered much better the counter attack.” 

The Foxes will be eager to record their first victory of the 2016/17 campaign ahead of the international break, but standing in the way are a Swansea side that Ranieri has plenty of respect for. 

He said of Saturday’s opponents: “It’s good to achieve points but also Swansea want to come here and will try to do their best. 

“For us it’s important because we play at home and of course we want to win, but it will be a different match than last season. 

“There are so many good players. They have a very good target man in front and three good wingers that can change and also [Gylfi] Sigurdsson. It’s a very good team.”