Leicester are currently 16th in the table and only two points above the relegation zone after 23 matches played, which is quite a comedown from their heroics of 2015/16. Mourinho feels it is partly due to the club’s commitment in the Champions League, with the Foxes now playing more than one match a week.
The manager was quizzed on Leicester’s form during his pre-match press conference at the Aon Training Complex, when it was pointed out that only he and Sir Alex Ferguson have retained the Premier League title in history. Asked why Ranieri is struggling this season, he gave a considered response.
“First of all I think what Leicester did is one of the big things in the world of football,” Jose said. “I think nobody, even them, would expect to be champions again. What they did was unique, it was so unique that Claudio deserved to be named best manager in the world. It was amazing what they did.
“I don't think it would be possible to do a second season, especially playing in the Champions League at the same time. The Champions League is hard. They were working for one complete season with one match per week, competing against other teams domestically that were playing in the Champions League while they weren’t. That is a big, big, big difference for them.
“So nobody would expect them - not even them - to be fighting for the title again. But the manager is there, the players are there, the team is there and they are a very good team.
“It's a very difficult match for us and also a very difficult match for them. I have total respect for what they did and for the change of life they are experiencing. I think next season will be much better for them again. This is new for them; the Champions League and being champions is a lot."
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