- The Foxes sit five points clear of Arsene Wenger’s men heading into the clash
- Ranieri believes Leicester City’s remarkable season proves just how tough the Premier League can be for every team
Having surpassed their initial target of 40 points, Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri says there is currently no pressure on his side ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture at Arsenal.
The Foxes sit five points clear of Arsene Wenger’s men, who are one of only two sides to beat City in the Premier League this campaign.
That impressive league position will not affect City, according to Ranieri, who only asks for his players to replicate their fighting spirit and fierce intensity in every match.
The City boss said: “I think we work so hard to achieve this level. We want to stay at this level. It’s no pressure for us. The pressure was at the beginning to start well, to carry on and maintain the standard of our performance.
“Now we are safe and we want to fight with respect with all our opponents. Face to face, we play with our strength and they play with theirs. If we win, fantastic. If we lose, next match.
“I think the pressure is on the other teams. We have pressure for our little gap. We continue to dream with our fans and we want to continue to dream. Nobody wake us up please!”
And Ranieri believes the story of his side’s remarkable campaign signifies just how tough the Premier League can be for every team in England’s top tier.
He added: “I think it’s tougher the next match with Norwich than Arsenal. Every match is very tough. Now we are focused on this [match against Arsenal].
“After Norwich, [there are] other big matches. It’s not an easy match. If Leicester is top of the league, that means there’s no easy match in the Premier League.
“It’s a very interesting Premier League so far. We want to fight to maintain this level. It’s interesting, it’s fantastic. Why? Because of what happened. It’s a great story. Why the pressure? There’s no pressure, just enjoy!”