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Premier League: Team of the Week XV feat. Chelsea and Leicester stars
Coach: Claudio Ranieri (Leicester City)
Formation: 3-4-3
Going into the game against Manchester City in Saturday’s late kick-off, Claudio Ranieri was a man under pressure. The Foxes had gone five in the league without a win and seen themseves slip just below the drop zone ahead of the visit of Pep Guardiola’s men.
After seeing an under-strength Leicester side take a 5-0 mauling at Porto in the week, Ranieri rang the changes, taking a big decision in having Andy King and Daniel Amartey as the midfield pairing, in spite of Nampalys Mendy’s return to fitness and he would also be without the suspended Danny Drinkwater. He also made a bold call in pairing Islam Slimani up front with the misfiring Jamie Vardy, dropping in-form Shinji Okazaki to the bench.
His final big call in his starting line-up would see Marc Albrighton start on the left ahead of Ahmed Musa. With his team 2-0 up within five minutes before eventually running out 4-2 winners, every call he made was the right one. He was under immense pressure going into this game, and he not only made the big calls, but placed his faith in Jamie Vardy despite his struggles in front of goal this season, and the England man delivered on the big occasion.
Ranieri would say after the match that this was the return of the real Leicester. He’d best hope they stick around. For now though, he more than deserves recognition for how he set up his team to dismantle title-chasing Manchester City.