Claudio Ranieri defends Radamel Falcao withdrawal

Claudio Ranieri has explained his decision to replace Radamel Falcao during AS Monaco's victory over Nantes in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

The Colombian striker seemed unamused when being substituted in the second half, having failed to impress and squandered a number of chances during the 1-0 win at La Beaujoire.

"I did not want to take any risks with Falcao because before the game his thigh was painful but I still decided to start him," Ranieri told reporters.

"It is normal that he is will be disappointed about being substituted but, as I said, I preferred not to take any risk with him."

Mounir Obbadi's deflected goal won the match for Monaco with 20 minutes to go.