Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri has called on his team to show "consistency" in the Premier League after struggling for results in the early part of the new campaign.

The defending champions have won two, drawn one and lost three of their league fixtures this term, which has left them down in 12th position on seven points.

The Foxes have triumphed in both of their Champions League group matches this season, however, and Ranieri has called for his team to take inspiration from their European exploits when they face Southampton this weekend.

"It'll be a very tough match for us but it's good. Now we're up and down and in the Premier League we play so-so, and Champions League we've been good so far, but I want consistency," Ranieri told reporters.

"Consistency was one of the key parts of last season and I want to see my players with the same fighting spirit as the last match. [There's] no magic formula but it's important to maintain the same concentration.

"But I think now we are ready to be more attentive and concentrated during the match. It's important for us to take confidence and make a good link with each other because I could say to my players 'you don't do your job' but no, everybody is doing a very good job but not together. It's important the players stay together and play as a team."

Leicester are currently 11 points behind the league leaders Manchester City, who have won all six of their fixtures this season.