Perfect storm for Leicester is not something others will be able to replicate

Steve Claridge does not expect other clubs to follow Leicester's lead and replicate '˜the greatest achievement in sporting history'.
Leicester's Jamie Vardy and Wes Morgan celebrateLeicester's Jamie Vardy and Wes Morgan celebrate
Leicester's Jamie Vardy and Wes Morgan celebrate

He believes the Foxes have enjoyed a perfect storm this season with a rare combination of factors aligning in their favour.

The former Pompey and Leicester player has rejoiced in the most improbable of Premier League title victories.

But the remarkable story will prove a one-off in his view.

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Claridge said: ‘People who think it gives everybody else a chance I’m afraid will be sadly mistaken.

‘This is a perfect storm for Leicester.

‘Everybody around them has not played to their potential, while Leicester certainly have and are a far better side than people give them credit for.

‘They have also had the luxury of no European football to distract them.

‘It probably constitutes a bit of a freak happening, it’s a once in a lifetime thing.

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‘This is probably the biggest achievement not just in the history of football but sport in general.’

Leicester have shown you don’t have to splash millions of pounds to build a top team.

But they have also timed their rise to greatness perfectly with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all drastically underachieving.

Claridge added: ‘Leicester were 5000/1 - you were more likely to see the Loch Ness Monster and Elvis together than see Leicester win the Premier League.

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‘What have they done that somebody else is going to try to emulate?

‘They have good players who have worked hard and play for each other.

‘Every team tries to do that and some people aren’t capable of playing like that.

‘Leicester have won it looking like a team who have challenged for the title for years.

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‘The amazing thing is people were surprised how well they played at Manchester United after all they have achieved, even though over the season clearly they have been the best team.

‘The other teams have fallen short – for this to happen they had to under perform and they have.

‘That’s not to take anything away from Leicester and what they have achieved.’

Claridge expects the regular challengers to get their act together next season, though.

He added: ‘The normal order will be restored next season.

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‘Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool will get better.

‘But I’ve given up expecting Arsenal to improve.

‘I would not write Leicester off but to win it again would be very, very difficult.

‘I think a top-10 place would be more realistic.’