Leicester City: Club legend Muzzy Izzet warns foxes of prioritising Champions League
By Jake Cursley
Leicester City club legend Muzzy Izzet has warned the foxes of the dangers of prioritising European football over the Premier League.
Muzzy Izzet, Leicester City’s cult hero, has warned the Leicester squad of prioritising Champions League football over the Premier League.
Related Story: Leicester City: Mahrez reveals why he chose to stay at Leicester
Izzet believes that due to the tough scheduling of the Premier League, it will take it’s toll on players as the season progresses.
Muzzy, now 41, joined Leicester City in 1996 and went on to play over 260 games for the East Midlands side, many of which were under Martin O’Neil’s reign.
The former Turkish international now runs a youth football academy in Leicester along with fellow club legend Steve Walsh.
Izzet was at the 7th game in just 23 days at the King Power stadium prior to the international break, a game that saw Leicester draw in a goalless clash with Southampton.
The lifeless performance prompted Muzzy to say:
More from Leicester City News
- Enzo Maresca hails four star Leicester players
- Harry Winks reveals his easy decision to join Leicester
- Leicester injury return dates: Coady, Praet, Cannon
- Midfielder’s Leicester contract, Souttar’s vow, international roundup
- Leicester stars among most valuable in Championship as legend’s rating drops
"“It is going to be a tough season for them, the schedule they have got, and the European campaign, is going to take its toll on them.”"
"“They are playing okay, but not at that intensity of last season. That’s normal. They are playing a lot of games. The Premier League is so competitive, you have got to be at it, and I mean at it. Last season they were.”"
"The second half of the campaign, they looked like they were getting stronger because the teams in and around them were probably playing twice as many games. That helped Leicester. City still had to go out and perform, which they did, and they were awesome.”"
"“This season, tired minds, tired legs, and expectation is probably a little higher. Pressure comes with that, and pressure makes you tired.”"
Muzzy Izzet is in an elite group, the select few who have played in European football for Leicester City.
During Martin O’Neil’s hugely successful time with Leicester City, he took the foxes to qualifying for the UEFA Cup (Now Europa League).
Izzet featured in both 1997’s clash with Atletico Madrid and the 2000’s clash with Red Star Brigade, both matches saw Leicester City come out the losers.
The Turkish international scored Leicester’s only goal in their 3 – 1 away loss to Red Star Brigade, which remained their last goal in European football until Marc Albrighton thumped the ball home during Leicester’s 3 – 0 demolishing of Club Brugge.
"“It is not just the games, but the travelling they do as well,”"
Izzet went on to say
"“They had a busy pre-season as well and it catches up on you. It was Thailand, America, Sweden. Everywhere. It is not just the games. I know people say they are flying first-class, but it is the sleeping, the different time zones. It takes its toll.”"
Next: Leicester City: Luis Hernandez spills the beans on Ranieri and the team
For newer fans, or just those that want a trip down memory lane, Muzzy Izzet scored what may be one of the best ever goals in a Leicester City shirt.