Leicester City declare 'unwavering support' for manager Claudio Ranieri

Leicester City have released an official statement declaring their “unwavering support” for manager Claudio Ranieri.

This follows numerous reports alluding to emerging unrest within the Leicester changing room and increasing alienation between the players and their manager.

The Premier League champions have managed just five wins this season as they continue to languish near the foot of the table with 21 points to their name.

Saturday's defeat by Manchester United consigned the team to their fourth loss of the new year and with just one point now separating the Foxes from the bottom three, the threat of relegation now appears to be a real possibility for Ranieri's champions.

In a statement issued on their website, the East Midlands club said: “In light of recent speculation, Leicester City Football Club would like to make absolutely clear its unwavering support for its First Team Manager, Claudio Ranieri.

“While there is a collective appreciation from everyone at the Club that recent form needs to improve, the unprecedented success achieved in recent seasons has been based firmly on stability, togetherness and determination to overcome even the greatest of challenges.

“The entire Club is and will remain united behind its manager and behind its players, collectively and firmly focused on the challenges ahead.”

Following their historic season last year, Leicester have endured a torrid slump in form with Ranieri falling under increasing scrutiny for his side's meek performances.

Reports last week suggested that the relationship between the Italian and his team has begun to deteriorate, with the manager resorting to drastic measures to restore Leicester's form.

It's understood that: Ranieri has on occasion instructed his players to train on the morning of midweek games; players have been left confused by a change in tactics less than two hours before kick-off; and backroom staff have been angrily confronted in the dressing room by the Italian.

More recently, it was revealed that the team's post-match meal has been changed from chicken burgers to pasta, much to the players' reported annoyance.

With systems, line-ups and squad selections varying from week to week, Ranieri's old reputation as 'The Tinkerman' is now quickly returning.

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel notably hit out at his team's "embarrassing" title defence in the wake of Saturday's defeat.

"It's not a situation that's comfortable at all," Schmeichel told Sky Sports. "We're the reigning champions and quite frankly it's been terrible, it's been embarrassing."

Ranieri echoed his 'keeper's frustrations but denied speculation of changing room unrest.

"Everybody is frustrated,” the Italian said. “We are unhappy in the dressing room but it is important to react. We were solid and united last season, and it’s the same this season, without the results. But we are ready to fight until the end.

“It’s difficult but I’m used to fight, but also my players are used to fight, because Leicester is used to fight.

“I’m very confident on this… we are together. Last season everything was right for us, this season everything wrong for us, that’s football.”