Leicester City rewrote the book of underdog stories last season, as the 5,000-1 long shot took home the Premier League title. Led by Manager Claudio Ranieri, who might actually be knighted, the Foxes got off to fast start and just never looked back the entire season.
Now Leicester looks to defend their league title against the likes of Manchester City, United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and the rest of the field. Training camp is underway, and the Italian gave his take on some of the opposing managers in the league.
Ranieri said that Jose Mourinho could be the new Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Ranieri said: “Mourinho can be the new Ferguson. He will not stay 26 years, but he will leave his imprint.”
Claudio Ranieri also opined on his former club Chelsea, and their new leader Antonio Conte.
“Antonio and Chelsea were made to like each other.”
“They still have to get to know each other well and not let their inevitable cultural differences get between them, but if they follow his lead at Cobham then we’re going to see a Chelsea like Italy [at Euro 2016]. They’re going to have a lot of fun in London.”
Ranieri also gave his two cents on Liverpool and Spurs.
“[Mauricio] Pochettino was an exemplary rival for Leicester at Tottenham last season and he’s working really well.”
“[Jurgen] Klopp starts off with the advantage of having broken the ice and got to know the Premier League. Even he seems perfect for the special atmosphere that there is in Liverpool.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication.
He also consistently appears on numerous talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram