Claudio Ranieri
What did you make of the display?
The performance was good. My priority was to save some players because it’s very important for the rest of the season. And I can say good luck to Leicester. Last season they won the FA Cup, and then I wish them all the best in the season. Of course, during the match, we tried to do something good. We scored a goal, 2-1, and we had two, three chances, maybe we have to shoot some times. At the end, Leicester took a shot and scored their goals, we didn’t. And then, well done to Leicester. But for me it was good, because, first of all, as we had no injured players. And that’s very very important. I gave a rest to [Emmanuel] Dennis, to [Josh] King, and others. For me it was important. Now it’s important for all my players to recover.
Why weren’t any new signings involved today?
No, I have to train [them] before they can play. They arrived yesterday, this morning, and then it’s difficult to put them on the pitch without a training session. And some players finish 11th of December and the others also before and then they need to make a training session. They train at home, but you understand when you train at home it’s not the same thing to train with the team.
Are you looking at any more transfers right now?
No, no, no. We have to think about what I have and our focus now is only about the next three matches. Of course, now we have to be solid, compact, and try to do our best like we do in every match.
So you are happy with the club’s business so far?
Now, look, we are okay at this moment. And I don’t think about other signings in the future. I’m thinking of these players [that I have already].
Should Leicester have had a player sent off, and did Watford deserve a penalty?
Every post-match we ask about this. Never I make decision, [or] say something about the decision, and also today. He’s an international referee. It’s okay for me.
Are you concerned by the poor defence?
Look for this reason, we moved these three players – Samir, [Hassane] Kamara, and [Edo] Kayembe – and for this reason, we moved these three players. To have another chance, to fight together.
How long will Christian Kabasele and Nicolas Nkoulou be injured for?
I think Samir is ready, no. [Christian] Kabasele could be ready in two weeks because he started the first training session with us yesterday and now he has to train to achieve the level of his teammates. And [Nicolas] N’Koulou is again out, and I think [he will be back] at the end of March, April.
Where will you want Edo Kayembe to play?
He could play as the Louza [role], also like a central defensive midfielder. In his team he played 4-4-2, he was the left midfielder of the two central midfielders .
What does Ozan Tufan need to do to improve?
I try when I have the chance to put him [in], because he needs to take the Premier League performance level, and then for me it’s important. He has the skill, and is a high [quality] player, but he needs to take the rhythm of the Premier League.
Will you have a full team fit for the next match against Newcastle?
I want to see them during this week, I spoke with them. But I want to check their fitness before I choose if they are available or not.
How important are the upcoming fixtures?
You can imagine. The next three matches are very important for us. Also for them.
