As McLaren brings his side to the King Power Stadium for their FA Cup fourth round replay at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday, the pressure remains on the Leicester manager after five defeats in six have left the Premier League champions a point above the drop zone.
Stories have emerged that the Italian has angered players by replacing their post-match treat of chicken burgers in favour of pasta.
“After what Ranieri did for Leicester last season, there should be a statue of him outside the stadium,” said Derby boss McClaren.
“What they achieved was phenomenal, unbelievable, a miracle, a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that should be appreciated and celebrated, which it was.”
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McClaren smiled wryly at suggeestions that stories could be being leaked with Leicester struggling.
He smiled: “Everybody knows the answer to that.
“Claudio’s experienced enough, he’ll know the answer.
“We kind of know what’s going on. But only people within the club really know.
“There are always leaks, speculation and rumour. It’s part of the game.”
Millwall away awaits the winners in the fifth round after this replay following the 2-2 draw in the intitial tie.