Claudio Ranieri "confident" in Leicester City players

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has insisted that he remains "confident" in his players despite their poor opening half of the season.

The champions have won just one of their last seven league games to leave themselves four points clear of the relegation zone, although that solitary victory was a memorable 4-2 triumph over Manchester City.

The Foxes have particularly struggled on the road, picking up just one point from eight games, and Ranieri acknowledged that they need to improve on their travels ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash at Stoke City.

"Stoke are a good team, they move the ball quickly with good players. They are strong but I want to see the real Leicester," he told reporters.

"Our style doesn't change but our away form should be better. We have to react, to improve. I'm sure we will. We need to be determined. We're a team that can make a good match when we win a lot of first and second balls.

"I'm a balanced man and I know only one medicine - to work. I'm confident with my players. They are warriors."

Leicester are one of only two teams, alongside Burnley, yet to pick up an away win in the Premier League this season.