Claudio Ranieri tells Leicesters fringe players to fight for place

The boss insisted he wants his men to fight for their places but they must understand why they are on the sidelines, with the Foxes second in the Barclays Premier League

Andrej Kramaric is reportedly seeking a move while Gokhan Inler, who arrived from Napoli in the summer, may consider a loan switch in January to protect his Euro 2016 hopes with Switzerland, although he remains happy at the King Power Stadium.

Summer buy Yohan Benalouane is also yet to start in the league this season ahead of Saturday's trip to Swansea.

Ranieri said: "It is difficult, they must understand I can only choose the first 11

Why change when the first 11 are playing well and link together

The players think about the single

'Why don't I play? I am working well

What can I do better to go on the team?' But the manager has to choose.

"I don't want a player who isn't playing to be happy

It is stupid

You have to fight

You have to be ready when I give you an opportunity to play.

"It is important you understand my philosophy

I manage in this way

I think about team, you think about yourself."

But Ranieri refused to rule out allowing players to leave in January if it benefits all parties.

He said: "Maybe when you are unhappy, you come to me and there is a window and say: 'I am sorry I want to play, can I go?'

"If somebody comes to me and says 'coach I want to play' we can open our little window if it is convenient for us

"Kramaric is a fantastic player, but in this moment I choose other kinds of strikers, I understand the players who don't play, it is normal."

Meanwhile, Ritchie de Laet has been ruled out for a month with an ankle injury but midfielder Matty James is closing in on a comeback after seven months out with a serious knee injury.

Source : PA

Source: PA