Claudio Ranieri has confirmed he held meetings with key men Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy this week, as well as the Leicester chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, reports Sky Sports.

"This season we scored very few goals. I'm not frustrated because I was waiting for this kind of season," said Ranieri.

"Of course I did not expect it to be so hard but it's normal after winning the title.

"I spoke with Riyad [Mahrez] and Jamie [Vardy] and we know why [they have scored less goals], and I can't tell you.

"Yes, [the meeting was] only them because they link together. If you see how many goals they scored and how many assists they made, and this season no. That's it.

"It's always interesting [conversations with Vardy and Mahrez].

"To Riyad, I said come back to last season. Two words: come back.

"He's trying. He's positive and I'm very very happy when he's positive. I look at him and he's smiling and that's okay."

Foxes chairman Srivaddhanaprabha flew in from Thailand this week to meet with Ranieri, amid speculation about the Italian's future at the club.

"I speak with the owner. I have a very good relationship with him," Ranieri added.

"The chairman is always positive, full of energy. He's fantastic."