Claude Puel: Leicester City’s Okazaki will get his chance
By James Lassey
Having started the season in great form, Shinji Okazaki has since found himself sidelined under the Claude Puel regime, although his manager calls for the striker to remain patient.
The Japanese talisman begun his season with back to back goals in Leicester’s opening two games against Arsenal and Brighton.
Under Craig Shakespeare he had scored five goals in his first eight appearances and while he has featured in three of Puel’s games in charge he has only started once.
However, the Frenchman has called for the 31-year-old to make good of his chance once it comes.
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"“All players want to play. Not just Shinji.” Puel told reporters in his Tottenham pre-match conference.“This is normal, and we will see if we can give players more opportunities. But we need to keep the whole squad in a positive attitude. This is the important thing”"
Okazaki is not the only one not to feature for the Foxes as much as he would have liked. Ahmed Musa, Leonardo Ulloa and Yohan Benalouane are all yet to play in the Premier League this season.
With a January clear-out looking imminent Puel will have some decisions to make regarding several players’ futures.
"“I think starting players are picked based on their balance and their understanding with the rest of the team,” he explained. “It’s also important to play good football. We have to look at the different players in the squad.“"
The Foxes have not won since the former Southampton boss’ first game at home to Everton and they have ten games between now and the turn of the new year.
The busy festive period could well mean, Okazaki may get his opportunity sooner rather than later as Puel will be sure to rotate his side for the run in.
Leicester have drawn twice despite being ahead on three occasions, the kind of loss of concentration Puel wants to eradicate.
"“We can speak about intensity, but we can also speak about quality,” he analysed. “In the last game in the second half, it was difficult for us to play good football and find space to attack. We need to find consistency for the whole game.”"
Two draws and one lost means Puel’s side are experiencing a rough patch and the Frenchman wants to put a stop to the trend starting with their game against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.