Leicester City: ‘Conceding 4 goals is a good lesson for us’ – Ranieri
By Jake Cursley
Leicester City’s visit to Old Trafford yesterday saw them concede 4 goals, with 3 in the space of 5 minutes as the foxes were humiliated.
Leicester City’s hopes were high going into the clash with Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United.
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The foxes looked to have found their form during a time where United looked in disarray.
The hope dwindled before halftime however as Leicester conceded 3 goals in just 5 minutes.
The match ended 4 – 1 after a stunning brace brace from youngster Demarai Gray somewhat perked up Leicester City fan’s mood.
As we all look for answers as to why Leicester City fell apart, boss Claudio Ranieri believes that conedeing the goals in the manner that they did will be a lesson that they need to learn.
Speaking to the media, Ranieri said:
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"“I have to analyse this strange match because we started very well and for the first 20 minutes we played our football,”"
"It was okay. We didn’t create a lot of chances and maybe we lost the last pass ,but we were in the match and put them under pressure. Maybe we deserved to score a goal more than them.”"
"“But they were so clever from the corner. It is so strange because normally we are so strong from the corners. But they scored three times.”"
Ranieri brings up a great point. Leicester City are usually very comfortably with defending set pieces.
Work on the training ground has to be done. With Chris Smalling’s opening goal in the 22nd minute he had almost a free header with Leicester not having a single player bothering to jump for the ball.
As Ranieri mentioned, the first 20 minutes were all Leicester with United looking nervous.
As soon as their captain Chris Smalling headed the ball home for the opening goal, the foxes lost their heads and were lucky to only concede 4 before the half time whistle blew.
Ranieri backs up this point and goes on to say:
"“After the first goal, I think we switched off. We lost our shape and our confidence and our strength.”"
"“We wanted to do something alone. No, we are a good team when we play together.”"
Claudio goes on to explain his reasoning behind substituting PFA Player of The Year Riyad Mahrez along with Jamie Vardy:
"“After the first half I thought it was much better to preserve Vardy and Mahrez for the next match in three days. I changed and played with three in middle.”"
"“We played better but we must also think that Manchester were winning 4-0 and it was easy for them to keep possession.”"
"“If they score it is okay but for them it was important not to concede a goal. We scored a goal through Demarari Gray, our young player, and I am very happy. Now we have to recharge our batteries, forget immediately this defeat and look forward.”"
Ranieri’s reasoning behind substituting Mahrez may have been to keep him fresh for their midweek clash against Porto in the Champions League which is debatably the foxes biggest game in their history.
A game which will show the world that they’re ready to compete against the top level of competition and will not back down.
Despite this, Riyad needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror and work hard at getting back to his best.
Football is an unforgiving sport and no player is undroppable.
So far this season the Algerian superstar has only turned up for one game, the clash with Club Brugge.
Next: Leicester City 1 – 4 Manchester United: Player Ratings
Leicester City fans will be hoping that the Champions League anthem wakes him up yet again, hopefully for good this time.