Ranieri: We tried our utmost to win

Posted Monday, January 04, 2016 by foxsportsasia.com

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri hailed the big effort his side put in against 10-man Bournemouth as they were held to a goalless draw on Saturday.

Jamie Vardy was denied by the woodwork in the opening 45 minutes, while Riyad Mahrez saw his second-half penalty saved as the Cherries held on for a share of the spoils, despite playing the last 33 minutes with a man down following the dismissal of Simon Francis.

Ranieri felt the Foxes deserved to take home all three points after creating a plethora of chances, but he insists his players gave their all in an attempt to start the New Year off with a bang.

The Italian was revealed the club had reached their target of 40 points - seen as the safety net in the Premier League - which keeps them in touching distance of leaders Arsenal in second place after 20 games.

"I think at the end of the match we deserved to win because we made so many chances," Ranieri told Foxes Player HD. "We touched the post, we lost a penalty and some other chances.

"Of course the first half was difficult. They moved the ball very quickly but the second half saw us make a fantastic performance. We were very determined to try to win the match.

"We tried to do our best and maybe tonight we were a little nervous to do that when we tried to score a goal and maybe we lost a few passes but it's OK because our goal was 40 points.

"We achieved 40 points and at the moment we are safe. Now we start a new season. Of course we wanted to start the New Year with a victory but the performance was good.

"I can say nothing to my players only well done for the big effort they gave."