Report: Ranieri becoming increasingly distant from backroom team

Claudio Ranieri is reportedly presiding over growing unrest at Leicester City.

According to the Guardian's Stuart James, Ranieri is becoming increasingly distant from members of his backroom team, and is also in danger of losing his grip on the dressing room. Some of the Italian manager's decisions have apparently left players "scratching their heads" and "bewildered at times." However, there is allegedly no suggestion his job is under immediate threat.

There was an incident after one fixture in which Leicester's players were informed by opponents they had been briefed on egos and poor attitudes within the Foxes' squad, James reports. If that wasn't strange enough, it was alleged the information came from someone within Ranieri's camp.

On the day before the transfer window closed, Leonardo Ulloa accused Ranieri of betrayal and threatened to go on strike, taking to Twitter and writing: "I will not play again for them." The words were published after Leicester reportedly rejected an improved offer from Sunderland for the Argentinian striker, valued at about £7 million. The 30-year-old wasn't sold in the end, but told Sky Sports News HQ he will remain professional and won't go on strike.

Related: Leicester's Ulloa backtracks on threat to strike

Leicester, in danger of becoming the first top-flight champion to be relegated since Manchester City in 1938, welcomes Manchester United at King Power Stadium on Sunday. Speaking ahead of the Premier League match, Ranieri denied altering the Foxes' system, saying it's "always the same." But there are many supporters who disagree with the tactician's claim, arguing the club is playing to its opponents' weaknesses rather than focusing on its strengths.