Brendan Rodgers in wild Europa Conference League statement as former Celtic boss claims 'I didn't even know we were in it'

Brendan Rodgers admits he had no idea Leicester were in the Europa Conference League - but is adamant they're in it to win it.

The Foxes face Danish side Randers on Thursday night and the former Celtic boss insists his team will take the competition seriously.

They crashed out of the Europa League with defeat to Napoli before Christmas and Rodgers claims he was unaware a third UEFA competition existed.

But the Leicester manager reckons it's a throwback to the days when the European Cup, UEFA Cup and Cup Winners' Cup all existed in tandem.

Rodgers said: "After the Napoli game, when I was asked, I genuinely hadn't given it any thought whatsoever because your mindset is always to finish in the Europa League at the highest position and qualify for the next round of that.

"It wasn't until after the game we realised we were in this competition.

"But, listen, like most of us, I certainly grew up being aware of three European competitions.

"I think of the European Cup, the UEFA Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup.

"That's the competitions I grew up with.

"Now that we're in this competition, we want to win it and we'll give everything we can to do that.

"We're looking forward to the challenge of it now, and to embrace it."