Manager Claudio Ranieri says 1-2 defeat to Hull City is a reality check for his team after Leicester City become first reigning EPL champs to lose opening game
Hull players celebrate their win while Leicester players walk away dejectedly after EPL match at KC Stadium in Hull on Saturday
Kingston Upon Hull (UK): Claudio Ranieri says Leicester City’s shock 2-1 defeat against troubled Hull City on Saturday should serve as a reality check for the Premier League champions.
Hull players celebrate their win while Leicester players walk away dejectedly after EPL match at KC Stadium in Hull on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images
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Ranieri’s side were stunned by 45th minute goal by Adama Diomande .
Leicester levelled within seconds of the restart when Tom Huddlestone caught Demarai Gray marginally outside the area, but referee Mike Dean awarded a penalty, which Riyad Mahrez coolly converted.
Leicester boss, Claudio Ranieri
Hull, however, bounced back and Robert Snodgrass' clinical finish after 57 minutes secured victory.
Foxes boss Ranieri believes Leicester’s loss proves how hard it will be to defend the title now that everyone is more aware of his team’s qualities.
"I told my players this season will be harder than last season. Today was a normal match, maybe a draw was normal, but we lost it," Ranieri said. "For this reason I told them we must be very strong together because last season we showed ourselves as a very good team and we need to repeat that."
Noticeably less vibrant without N’Golo Kante, the France midfielder, Leicester paid the price for poor finishing and defensive mistakes.
Ranieri refused to criticise individuals, but he did admit his team had delivered an error-strewn display.
"They (Hull) played better. Our commitment was amazing but it was individual, not as a team," Ranieri said. "We tried to win but sometimes it’s impossible. We made some mistakes and we have to think where we made them."
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