Claudio Ranieri admits Leicester will always ‘be in my heart’ ahead of emotional return to the King Power… but insists he won’t be distracted from winning three points for Watford
- Claudio Ranieri said there will be ‘big emotion’ on his return to Leicester
- The Italian comes back as Watford boss to the club he won the Premier League with in 2016
- Ranieri said despite the occasion, he will be fully focused on Watford’s success
Watford boss Claudio Ranieri says Leicester’s fairytale Premier League title success will remain in his heart forever as he prepares for an emotional return to the King Power Stadium.
Ranieri defied pre-season odds of 5,000-1 to mastermind one of sport’s greatest stories when the Foxes became shock champions in 2016.
The veteran Italian, who was appointed at Vicarage Road last month, is due back at his former club for the first time as an opposing manager on Sunday afternoon.
Watford boss Claudio Ranieri is expecting a very emotional return to Leicester this weekend
He anticipates a moving occasion but is determined not to be distracted by sentiment, with the Hornets seeking to build on last weekend’s superb 4-1 win over Manchester United.
‘Always this Premier League (title) will be in my heart during all my life,’ said Ranieri.
‘The job gave to me good emotion and I am very proud to be part of Leicester’s fairytale and history, very happy.
Ranieri managed the Foxes to their unprecedented Premier League title win back in 2016
‘But I want to write new things here in Watford.
‘It will be a big emotion from the beginning and after the match, during the match I know I am an opponent and I try to do my best.’
Speaking about the Leicester fans, he added: ‘From the beginning, in the early days they stayed with me in an unbelievable way and I want to thank them once again.’
Leicester’s squad has changed significantly since Ranieri was sacked in February 2017.
While agreeing it will be emotional, Ranieri said he’s focused on his current job as Watford boss
But the likes of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and star striker Jamie Vardy remain.
Asked if he remains in contact, the well-travelled 70-year-old replied: ‘Never I stay in touch with all my players – I would have to have 10 phones to call all my players!’
Ranieri’s plans have been hit by losing key men Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Nkoulou to injuries suffered in the rout of Manchester United.
Forward Sarr, who scored against United after missing a penalty, later sustained a knee issue in that match, while defender Nkoulou limped off with a hamstring problem.
Watford will be without star player Ismaila Sarr, who was injured against Manchester United
Ranieri is unsure about the severity of the injuries and has backed other members of his squad to fill in.
‘We still evaluate him and Nkoulou,’ he said of Sarr.
‘He is a very important player for us, but we have also some players on the bench who are ready to play. I am sure they will do the maximum for the team.’