Ranieri: We tried but Liverpool just played so well
Claudio Ranieri admitted the level of Liverpool's performance left Leicester City unable to prevent a 4-1 result at Anfield on Saturday evening.
The Reds rose to the occasion of their first home game at an expanded stadium – and the visit of the reigning champions – with a clinical display.
Roberto Firmino kicked off the scoring with a cool finish and Daniel Sturridge then set up Sadio Mane with a sublime back-heel to double the advantage.
Jamie Vardy capitalised on a mistake to reduce Leicester’s arrears but Ranieri’s side could not build on that response, with Adam Lallana and Firmino instead adding to Liverpool’s tally in the second half.
The Foxes manager said: “They played so well. Liverpool played better than us and deserved to win.
“We were waiting for this kind of performance and this kind of football from Liverpool.
“We started well in the first 10 minutes but after the first goal we lost our time and shape. Everything was more difficult. They created a lot of chances.
“We tried but Liverpool played so well. Everything they tried to do was OK. They were very spirited and everything was fantastic for them and not so good for us. We created chances but were unlucky.”