Claudio Ranieri believes it’s far too early to write off Chelsea’s chances of securing a top-four spot.
Chelsea have a mountain to climb to seal a place in next season’s Champions League, with 14 points separating them from Manchester United in fourth place.
Table-topping Leicester are even further ahead after a remarkable start to the season, spurred by the form of attacking duo Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.
But Leicester boss Ranieri insists his former club will be in the shake-up. “Chelsea for me means a lot,” said Ranieri (right), whose side face the Blues on Monday at King Power Stadium. “They were my first team here [in England] and I was proud to be their manager.
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“Chelsea are Chelsea, [Jose] Mourinho is Mourinho and I’m sure they will be near the top this season.
“I watched last night. They played well and moved it quickly. They are the champions.”
Mourinho has also not abandoned hope of securing a top-four finish this season after his side showed further improvement in their 2-0 win over Porto.
"The Premier League boss told me a few months ago it would be good for the Premier League that Chelsea aren't champions but he didn't say it's not good that we don't finish fourth," he said.
"While mathematically it's still possible, let's fight for every game and every point and see if it's possible to finish fourth."
