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Leicester will win the EPL if Tottenham lose overnight, but Ranieri will be “the last man in England to know”

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri will not be able to watch the game which could deliver his side their first-ever Premier League title because he wants to have lunch with his 96-year-old mother on her birthday.

May 02, 2016, updated May 02, 2016
Kasper Schmeichel of Leicester City saves at the feet of Manchester United's Memphis Depay. Photo: Simon Bellis, Sportimage/PA Images.






























- Newcastle Utd vs Tottenham - St James' Park Stadium - Newcastle Upon Tyne - England - 19th April 2015 - Picture Phil Oldham/Sportimage.

Kasper Schmeichel of Leicester City saves at the feet of Manchester United's Memphis Depay. Photo: Simon Bellis, Sportimage/PA Images. - Newcastle Utd vs Tottenham - St James' Park Stadium - Newcastle Upon Tyne - England - 19th April 2015 - Picture Phil Oldham/Sportimage.

The Foxes will be crowned champions if Tottenham Hotspur, who trail them by eight points, fail to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – a ground where they have not won since 1990 – early tomorrow morning, Australian time.

But, speaking after Leicester missed out on the victory against Manchester United that would have sealed the title overnight, Ranieri – a one-time Chelsea manager – said he will be flying back from Italy when the game kicks off.

“I’d like to watch the match tomorrow, but I think I’m on a flight back from Italy so it’s difficult for me to watch the match,” Ranieri said after the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

“My mother is 96 years old and I would like to have a lunch with her. I will be the last man in England to know,” Ranieri added.

“Three matches ago I said, in my mind Tottenham will win all the matches. Look, for us it’s important to continue to dream.”

Louis van Gaal manager of Manchester United smiles as he shakes hands with Claudio Ranieri manager of Leicester City during the Barclays Premier League match at the Old Trafford Stadium. Photo credit should read: Simon Bellis/Sportimage via PA Images - Newcastle Utd vs Tottenham - St James' Park Stadium - Newcastle Upon Tyne - England - 19th April 2015 - Picture Phil Oldham/Sportimage.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal congratulates Claudio Ranieri after the game overnight. Photo: Simon Bellis, Sportimage/PA Images.

Ranieri thought the draw with United was a fair result.

“United started very very well, moved the ball very well, and it was very difficult for us to restart and make something good,” he said.

“After our goal I think we played better and there were chances for them and us. I think the draw was the right result.

“I was worried because we have very good heart, and I thought, OK, sooner or later we react. After their goal I thought, we have to react immediately, and fortunately at the first free kick we scored a goal,” the Italian added.

“For us, it was important to show our character, our mentality. The beginning wasn’t good, but afterwards I appreciate our performance. We suffer all the matches because we know what we are. We know every match we have to work hard.”

Their task was made more difficult by the absence of suspended top-scorer Jamie Vardy.

“Without Jamie it’s more difficult for us, because we are used to playing the ball for Jamie, and the opponent is always scared of the ball for Jamie,” said Ranieri.

“It was difficult for us to play because they press very very well.”

Leicester will have Vardy back for Saturday’s home game against Everton but they will be without Danny Drinkwater, who will be suspended after being sent off for a second bookable offence on Sunday.

Victory on Saturday will secure the title even if Tottenham beat Chelsea.

-Reuters

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