Claude Puel praises Leicester City’s strength in depth
Leicester City manager Claude Puel has praised his side’s strength in depth after the 4-1 victory away to Southampton on Wednesday.
Puel made several changes to his side as he faced his former employers for the first time since he was sacked by the Saints in the summer.
Demarai Gray, Marc Albrighton and Vicente Iborra were all given rests as Christian Fuchs, Andy King and Shinji Okazaki were restored to the starting lineup.
"“It was important to make some changes because it’s a busy period,” the Frenchman said, “so it was important to see some fresh players.“We try to continue this high level of performance. Time will tell if we are successful but this is the challenge.”"
Okazaki wasn’t the only player to come in and score, as King also got on the scoresheet at the back post following Harry Maguire’s cross.
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The opening goal of the game was scored by Riyad Mahrez, who looks back to his best having scored three goals in his last four games.
"“I am happy with Shinji and all the players like Shinji because he always gives his best,” Puel said to the gathered press after the win.“He scored two goals and that is fantastic for him, but I am happy with all the players.”"
Leicester City next face Crystal Palace at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, and will be wary of the threat they possess after the Eagles’ late comeback against Watford on Tuesday. Puel will make sure that his players remain concentrated after this impressive win, he said:
"“It is hard in football to keep this level but we have to keep working and try to improve because the Premier League is very hard and we cannot stay with a feeling of satisfaction.“We must continue this work with humility and time will tell if we can continue in the same way against Crystal Palace.”"
Claude Puel now has a selection headache for the weekend’s fixture, and whether he should bring Gray and Albrighton back into the starting lineup.
Okazaki played very well against Southampton – Foxes of Leicester’s James Lassey even gave the forward a 10/10 rating. The Japanese international has turned himself into more of a goalscorer this campaign.
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In all competitions this season, Okazaki is averaging a goal every 107 minutes. In comparison, Harry Kane has a goal every 101 mins, Mohamed Salah a goal every 103 mins and Sergio Aguero a goal every 109 mins (via Jordan Blackwell).
These are the kind of selection problems that Puel will welcome, though, and it makes his choice of team on Saturday all the more interesting as someone in good form will likely miss out.