Leicester City: My players gave their best says Claude Puel
By James Lassey
Despite Leicester City letting their goal lead slip to allow Liverpool a 2-1 win, manager Claude Puel has commended his players’ performance.
Jamie Vardy opened the scoring at Anfield with his seventh Premier League goal against the Reds but, it was Mohamed Salah who stole the show.
The Egyptian’s two second-half goals gave Jurgen Klopp’s side the points and puts them four points ahead of fifth place Tottenham who have a game in hand.
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For Leicester, the loss leaves them in eighth, seven points off Burnley who occupy the final Europa League spot.
"“We gave our best, but they are difficult to defend against because they have a lot of players with quality,” Puel told reporters after the game.“For me, Salah’s second goal was not a chance, but he has the ability to make it a chance”"
The Foxes don’t have to wait long to bounce back with the festive period being in full flow. New Year’s Eve sees them come up against newly promoted Huddersfield and the former Southampton boss hopes his side will break their bad duck.
"“Now we need to look forward, it will be difficult to play again on Monday. It will be crucial to get a good result on Monday. I think Vardy will be available,” he added."
Leicester, who have not won since their 4-1 win over Southampton five games ago, struggled to gain a foothold as Liverpool’s attack was relentless.
To add further troubles to Puel’s selection dilemmas with the injury of Danny Simpson, Harry Maguire now joins the list of unavailable players.
The England international found himself involved in a tussle with Emre Can for the ball following Liverpool’s first.
Both were reprimanded from referee Neil Swarbrick and the booking means Maguire will miss Monday’s clash.
Puel felt there was nothing wrong with Maguire’s actions and believes the punishment to be unjust.
"“Maguire’s yellow card was undeserved,” he complained.“He got the ball for us to take kick off. It’s for us, not the opponent. I don’t understand how it is a yellow card for him.”"
While Liverpool proved to be a step too far for Puel, they can now turn favourable for Leicester as they prepare to travel to Burnley on Monday.