Claudio Ranieri insists he isn't frustrated by Leicester's season, saying he expected the team to find this campaign much tougher Claudio Ranieri insists he isn't frustrated by Leicester's season, saying he expected the team to find this campaign much tougher

Claudio Ranieri has confirmed he held meetings with key men Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy this week, as well as the Leicester chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

Ranieri, who oversaw the most unlikely title victory in Premier League history with the Foxes last season, has come under pressure in recent weeks, with Leicester in 16th position and just one point above the drop zone.

At this stage last season, Vardy and Mahrez had plundered in over 30 goals between them, yet this year they have just 13, with five coming from the penalty spot.

Such form convinced Ranieri to sit down with the pair this week in a bid to turn their performances around and rekindle last season's devastating partnership.

"This season, we scored very few goals. I'm not frustrated because I was waiting for this kind of season," said Ranieri.

"Of course I did not expect it to be so hard but it's normal after winning the title.

Mahrez has netted just three times in the league this season

"I spoke with Riyad [Mahrez] and Jamie [Vardy] and we know why [they have scored less goals], and I can't tell you.

"Yes, [the meeting was] only them because they link together. If you see how many goals they scored and how many assists they made, and this season no. That's it.

"It's always interesting [conversations with Vardy and Mahrez].

"To Riyad, I said come back to last season. Two words: come back.

"He's trying. He's positive and I'm very very happy when he's positive. I look at him and he's smiling and that's okay."

Vardy has scored just five goals in the league this season

Leicester face Swansea on Sunday at the Liberty Stadium, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, with Ranieri's side looking for their first league win in six games.

Foxes chairman Srivaddhanaprabha flew in from Thailand this week to meet with Ranieri, amid speculation about the Italian's future at the club.

"I speak with the owner. I have a very good relationship with him," Ranieri added.

"The chairman is always positive, full of energy. He's fantastic."

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