Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has revealed that he has instructed his players to "continue dreaming" as they enter the run-in.
The Foxes could go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League if they defeat relegation-threatened Newcastle United at the King Power on Monday night, a result that would put them firmly in the driving seat for the title.
"Last season, with nine games left, Leicester were [due to be] relegated," Ranieri told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport. "I always tell the players that this is an exceptional year, one that cannot be repeated. All the big clubs are having difficulty and we are playing good football.
"I tell them to continue dreaming, that it's not bad to dream, seeing as we have earned the chance to do so.
"From the start of the season everyone said we would not hold out, we would crumble sooner or later, we could only be a flash in the pan. Instead we are here, without arrogance, but with the desire to continue dreaming. The lads are relaxed, calm, they know we must try to win every game."
The Foxes have only tasted league defeat three times this season - once to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool and twice to title rivals Arsenal.
Neil Wilkes
