Manager Claude Puel was a delighted man following Leicester City’s victory over West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.
Heading to The Hawthorns for this weekend’s clash against West Brom, Puel knew it would be a tough test as sitting in bottom spot in the Premier League table they would be fighting for their lives but we coped with that and took a four one victory by the full time whistle.
West Brom did take the early lead through Salomon Rondon but Leicester responded in great fashion and Jamie Vardy had us level 21 minutes in and we turned on the style in the second half with Riyad Mahrez, Kelechi Iheanacho and Vicente Iborra all finding the net.
Speaking to lcfc.com as he met with the media following the game, a delighted Puel explained.
‘We are happy about this game. Not just about the result but about the quality we put on the pitch in the second half. We tried to start well but it was not enough. We were lacking some confidence after our last game at home. It was important to have a good reaction away.’
Puel also admitted that with some issues to be addressed at the half time break, he couldn’t have been more pleased with the uplift in performance.
‘I thought the first half was too open though. It was end-to-end and box-to-box. We could have finished the first half 3-3, it was crazy. It was important to come back in the second half with more management in our game and more quality. It was interesting to keep the ball on the floor more to work them a little more. We found our clinical edge with fantastic goals and good moves – this is a good reward for the team. It`s a good reward for the entire squad actually, not just the starting players.’
The impact of the substitutes also left him pleased.
‘It was a different team today and everyone gave their best. The substitutes were great – Iheanacho, Albrighton and Diabate. For us it gives us good momentum and it is important for us to keep this good feeling.’
With a four day warm weather training camp up next this week on Tuesday, the Frenchman went on to say that although it will allow the players to recover, it wasn’t a holiday and he was looking for some positive work to be done ahead of the quarter final tie with Chelsea.
‘It`s a good opportunity for the squad to spend some time together and to make sure we are well prepared both for next weekend`s game and for the final eight Premier League matches of the season. We want to finish the season in the best way possible and good preparation together is very important to give us the best chance.’
Puel added.
‘It`s a long season, which can be difficult for the body and the mind, so I think a different setting, some time together as a squad and a good focus on our work will be good for everybody. Good for the spirit of the group. Hopefully with some warmer weather! We have excellent staff that have prepared everything for the trip very well. If we are to make sure we use the trip to be ready for the final games, it`s important to get the balance right between hard work on the training pitch and the correct levels of rest and recovery.’
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