Leicester's Ranieri doesn't expect Chelsea-like collapse in title defence

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri insists his champions will not implode like Chelsea did under Jose Mourinho after winning the Premier League title in 2014-15.

The Italian believes the Foxes have strong foundations and will not change despite their shock Premier League title win.


They replaced Chelsea as champions after the Blues finished 10th last season having collapsed in spectacular style and sacked Mourinho in December, following a 2-1 defeat to Leicester.

Reports of a player revolt, a high-profile row with former club doctor Eva Carneiro and limp performances all contributed to Mourinho's downfall at Stamford Bridge following their last title win.

He was appointed Manchester United boss in May and Ranieri faces him on Sunday in the Community Shield and feels he and the Foxes will avoid the same fate as Mourinho in their Premier League defence.

"When I build something it is never destroyed. My philosophy is to watch your house, not other houses. It's important what happens here. My house is very clean and very clear,'' Ranieri said.

"Slowly we try to build the first floor and the second floor. The foundation is very solid. I don't know what happened [to Chelsea]. They were the champions.

"I spoke with my players and I said 'I know you very well now and I want more. Forget what we achieved, I want more. You cannot tell me this is your maximum, I want more than the maximum from last season.'

"I am very curious what we can do now. If someone needs more rest psychologically, stay with me on the bench and understand what happens on the pitch.

"One of my strengths is always to have the right balance. Never give up, I always believe in myself and if one man wants to do something in the end he will achieve something.

"I want to see them playing together as a team. Last season we made something which is hard to repeat but I want the maximum.''