Claudio Ranieri has spoken fondly of his time working with Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez during Leicester City's unlikely Premier League title triumph.
The Algerian winger played a crucial role as the Foxes won the top-flight title in 2015/16, which came just one season after they narrowly escaped relegation from the top flight. The 32-year-old's performances that season saw him become the first African to win PFA Players' Player of the Year, while he also made it into the league's Team of the Year.
Mahrez, who scored 17 goals in the 15/16 campaign, was Leicester's second top goalscorer behind Jamie Vardy. Ranieri's men ultimately coasted to the title as they finished 10 points clear of Arsenal in second position.
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Ranieri, talking as part of a new City Studios documentary, The Riyad Mahrez Story, said the Algerian's impact simply cannot be underestimated.
"I talked to him and said in the last 30 metres, you can do what you want," he said. "I said 'you are a fantasy player'. You can invent everything. At the right moment - show your style!"
The Italian coach, who is currently in charge of Serie B promotion hopefuls Cagliari, has fond memories of Mahrez - and the feeling is mutual. The 32-year-old praised Ranieri for the confidence he gave him, while also suggesting he benefitted from the increased responsibility.
"He came to see me and gave me a lot of responsibilities," said Mahrez. "He gave me the keys of the game. He told me 'I want you to take the ball, lead this team, make people score, score yourself, score penalties'. And all this, it’s like it gave me wings. And from that point onward, I just found my confidence."
Mahrez registered 48 goals and 38 assists in 179 appearances for Leicester before signing for City in 2018. The attacker has gone on to play 223 times for the Blues, winning four Premier League titles, three EFL Cups and the FA Cup.
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