Shinji Okazaki has revealed a half-time rocket from Claudio Ranieri was behind Leicester City reopening their gap at the top of the Premier League table to five points with victory over Newcastle United.

Claudio Ranieri admits it is all about points, not Leicester performances Read more

Okazaki’s overhead kick after 25 minutes was Leicester’s only shot on target against Newcastle in Rafael Benítez’s first game in charge but after a sixth home clean sheet in seven league matches, Ranieri’s side require just 20 points from their remaining eight matches to be crowned champions.

Publicly Ranieri has been a picture of calm as Leicester’s unlikely title charge has gathered pace but Okazaki admitted the Italian had some harsh words for his side at the interval on Monday.

“We’ve got a five-point gap again now so it was a very important match to win. But the manager was so angry at half-time,” said Okazaki. “He is smiling most of the time but when we came in at half-time he was mad. He is always joking but maybe to see him angry like that is good for us.

“I think one of the things about this team is that it is so simple so that helps us to not get pressure. Our spirit is very good for each game – nice and simple. No pressure.

“It’s not easy to switch off but maybe the character of the players is what is good. Vardy, Mahrez, they are so relaxed. They are laughing and joking all the time … no pressure and that’s good.”

Leicester face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday before the international break, ensuring the Foxes will be top of the table at the start of April and Okazaki acknowledged the importance of his goal.

“I have scored one like that before in the Bundesliga against Hanover but it was a completely different situation,” he added. “This was a far more important game and because it was the goal that won it, makes it a lot different. I don’t practise overhead kicks. I actually like direct shooting. One touch – then shoot. The goal was just instinctive. That is my character.”