Claude Puel says speculation about his Leicester City future is ‘not important’.

He also feels the players are still behind him despite a 5-0 hammering at Crystal Palace on Saturday and a run of only four wins in 18 league games.

Puel’s position is under increasing scrutiny with their poor form mounting up but he isn’t getting worked up and instead wants to see a positive reaction in their next game. “It is not my concern at this moment,” he said. “It is not the moment to speak about this.

“My first feeling at this moment is to stay around and near my players and together to give a good reaction and response in the next game.

“Speculation about me and my future is not important and it is not the moment.”

His team finished with ten men against Palace after Marc Albrighton was sent off in the second half, while Palace ran in three late goals to bolster the scoreboard. Puel insists there is still a unity within the Leicester ranks.

“It is a situation where we are together,” he added. “The staff and players are together at this moment. It is a difficult moment but it is important to give a good response together.

“It is tough and difficult but we are good professionals and I have confidence in my squad they can give a response in the next game.”

The next game is a home clash with West Ham and Leicester are favourites at 2.15 to get three points, the Hammers are 3.20 to come out on top and a draw is 3.50.