Manager Claudio Ranieri was largely pleased with the scoreless draw with Bournemouth at the weekend, but there was disappointment because he felt it should’ve been another win.
Speaking to lcfc.com in his post game press conference, the gaffer explained that he could find little fault with the effort and determination of the side over the 90 minutes but there was some fault in the finishing on the day with a number of chances going begging – not least an uncharacteristic miss by Riyad Mahrez from 12 yards with the keeper saving.
It did however mean we opened 2016 with a point moving us onto the oft stated 40 point aim for the year.
‘I think at the end of the match we deserved to win because we made so many chances. We touched the post, we lost a penalty and some other chances. Of course the first half was difficult. They moved the ball very quickly but the second half saw us make a fantastic performance. We were very determined to try to win the match.’
Ranieri went on to say that he certainly couldn’t fault the effort though but admitted maybe we were a little ‘nervous’ when searching for the goal as he felt we were trying to force it – especially when they went down to ten men and that led to a lack of composure in the box which is unlike us.
‘We tried to do our best and maybe tonight we were a little nervous to do that when we tried to score a goal and maybe we lost a few passes but it`s OK because our goal was 40 points. We achieved 40 points and at the moment we are safe. Now we start a new season. Of course we wanted to start the New Year with a victory but the performance was good. I can say nothing to my players only well done for the big effort they gave.’
In wider press coverage, he also talked about 40 points and his pleasure at reaching that, as now we set a new target and hope to continue our first half form.
‘Now we must achieve the next goal and remain calm. We did 39 points in the first half so in the second half we try to make 40 points. I know it’s difficult but this league is crazy. We are safe so we try. Forty points, come on – it’s fantastic. We didn’t score but it’s another clean sheet and champagne for my players, of course. We tried to win the match and do our best but when you play with such high intensity, you can make mistakes and we made mistakes with the last pass. We were too anxious to score a goal, but it’s okay – 40 points.’
Vital Leicester on:
Vital Leicester on:
