Claudio Ranieri: Leicester refreshed and ready for title run-in after week off
Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri insists his squad are ready for the title run-in.
The Italian gave his players last week off after a demanding schedule to prepare them for the final push.
The Foxes host Norwich on Saturday two points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League with 12 games left.
The players were given a training programme during their time off last week and Ranieri believes they have reaped the rewards from the break.
He said: "The benefit was they came back how they left, the same, and that is good because they enjoy, they recharged the batteries.
"Never have I given players one week off - maximum three days when I was crazy."
And Ranieri believes the players have been receptive to his management style after he replaced Nigel Pearson last summer.
"I didn't see the team a little bit down and then grow up. From the first day they were very, very focused," he said.
"I think my strength is to adapt in every situation, my character, my strategy, my point of view, my vision about football. Of course here at Leicester I felt from the beginning something special."
Daniel Amartey could make his debut at right-back after his January move from FC Copenhagen, with Danny Simpson suspended
Ranieri could also throw a lifeline to Liam Moore with the defender having played just once for the Foxes this season.
The 23-year-old returned from a loan spell at Bristol City last month and is in Ranieri's thoughts with Simpson banned.
He added: "He's working very well, better than at the beginning of season. There is a future - I have an open mind. I want to win. If he shows me he's the best over another, he plays.
"I want to win. Now I watch him and he's desperate - remember Simpson at the beginning didn't play. I said to him, 'You have a chance, show me'."
Norwich manager Alex Neil is looking forward to the test his side will face at Leicester.
The Foxes lost to Arsenal in their last Premier League game and Neil knows that they will be wanting to get back to winning ways to help their title bid.
He said: "I think they will be hurting after Arsenal and they will be targeting games like these to keep their title run going.
"The one thing about Leicester is they are good at what they do.
"They are an efficient team and they have a few individuals who have had a fantastic season for them.
"We need to make sure we battle against that and show ourselves in the game.
Neil added: "There have been teams in the league that have got points off them, we have been watching a lot of footage of teams who have played against them this season to see how they went about it.
"We have a plan so we will see how it goes."
Norwich are one place above the relegation zone on goal difference and Neil knows that the remaining games are going to be difficult but he is pleased at how the players are reacting to the challenge.
He said: "The one thing we have had is that everyone is together, everyone is fighting for the same cause which when you are having a difficult season is really pleasing and a source of strength in the remaining games.
"The games vary that much, to try and get yourself ready for games is a test.
"We have a lot of work to do before the end and if we can stay up, whether it is by a point or a goal, then I think that will be seen as a successful season by us.
"Over these next 12 games we have to try and attack it and hope that it is going to be enough."
Alex Tettey returns from suspension for Norwich while Vadis Odjidja Ofoe is available after overcoming an ankle injury but Andre Wisdom (knee) is still unavailable.
Source: PAR
