Ranieri focused on domestic duties after European success

Claudio Ranieri praised his Leicester City players for securing a place in the last 16 of the Champions League - and then challenged them to carry their European form into the Premier League.

First-half goals from Shinji Okazaki and Riyad Mahrez secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Club Brugge at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday.

The result, coupled with Porto's 0-0 draw away in Copenhagen, means the English champions are certain to finish top of Group G.

Now Ranieri wants his squad to concentrate on domestic duties, with Leicester sitting just two points above the relegation zone.

They have conceded 20 goals in 12 Premier League games and managed just one league win since the start of October.

"It's unbelievable. Top of the group. I'm very happy and proud for my players. I'm very happy for the chairman, the fans and everybody. Another journey – it's unbelievable," Ranieri said.

"It's important to top the group but our mind must now go to the Premier League. I must push my players for the Premier League.

"Whoever we play will be a fantastic team, but now we go back and we must play at the same level as we have done in the Champions League as we have shown what we can do."

Leicester cruised into a two-goal lead against Brugge, yet were forced to hold on in the closing stages after Jose Izquierdo scored a fine solo goal for the visitors early in the second half.

"It's very strange. We were playing so well. We had 70 per cent possession and had a lot of chances," Ranieri said.

The experienced Italian coach has now steered five different clubs through to the last 16 of Europe's premier club competition.

Finishing top of the group will see Leicester avoid some of the heavyweights at the start of the knockout stages, although Ranieri does not really mind.

"I just hope to be there in good condition. That's important. The name is not important. It's another fairytale," he added.

Latest in
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
'I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way. It was like I was at university': Ex-Manchester City star reveals genius of Pep
 Sheila Garcia of Real Madrid CF battle for the ball with Alessia Russo of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Women's Champions League Quarter Finals First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Arsenal FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on March 18, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
'Over two legs I expected Arsenal to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League, I still think they can despite being 2-0 down,' says former Lioness Izzy Christiansen
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Why Trent Alexander-Arnold won't be allowed to wear No.66 at Real Madrid as transfer edges closer
Latest in News
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
'I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way. It was like I was at university': Ex-Manchester City star reveals genius of Pep
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Why Trent Alexander-Arnold won't be allowed to wear No.66 at Real Madrid as transfer edges closer
Ipswich Town third kit for 2024/25 season
'The pink kit was quite divisive to begin with: a lot of people were unsure of it but I think the Tottenham game has cemented it as this epic kit' Ed Sheeran talks about designing Ipswich shirt - and how it ties into his music