Claude Puel: ‘Leicester City deserved to beat Brighton’

Leicester City manager Claude Puel relfects on the 10-man draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, Saturday. Insisting that his Foxes eventually deserved three points:

Mental strength, is a term which can be applied to Leicester City’s will and determination at present. Following disaster at the King Power Stadium on October 27, the Foxes and manager Claude Puel are doing an excellent job. In fact they have managed five points from a possible nine in their previous three Premier League matches. Astonishing, really.

This includes a 1-1 draw this past weekend with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. Veteran goalscorer Glenn Murray gave the hosts the lead with a superb header from a corner. Yet, as disappointing a first-half display from Leicester City, something Puel said worked to spur on his troops at half-time.

Inevitably, the introduction of Jamie Vardy – whom returned to scoring ways via the penalty spot, won by the also second-half-present Kelechi Iheanacho – revitalised the East Midlands side. Shinji Okazaki – despite his industry – may find himself a substitute against Watford after most likely starting successively versus Southampton, prospectively, in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

A draw was a fair result; although, if playmaker James Maddison had not dived in order to obtain an illegal penalty, and received a red card, the Foxes could definitely have gotten the three points.

Boss Puel reflected on the game with lcfc.com:

"“[We’re] happy with the point, I think we deserved it at the end, we deserved three points. We dominated a lot of the second half with 10 men. It seemed like we played the second half with 11 men.“I think it’s a fantastic second half. Of course, we had to correct some aspects in the first half, but after the difficulties, we had the capacity to react together and give our best.“I’m proud about our fighting spirit and good play also because we played very well in the second half with a lot of effort, quality and desire. We deserved to win this game in the end.”– Claude Puel"

Ultimately, the Frenchman was under pressure to find fast results – in both meanings of the word – while conducting a systematic overhaul of tactics and style. In addition to replacing many starting team members and introducing academy graduates as established squad members. Not easy.

In truth, Puel is doing better than a pragmatist can expect; especially in these difficult circumstances for the club and city. Statistically yesterday, Leicester City gave a tremendous effort for 65 minutes with 10-men and without the prowess of Maddison.

The Foxes had 45.4 per cent possession, produced as many shots on target as their opposition. Not to mention defensively, 20 clearances, along with 17 tackles. Most noteworthy is the large amount of touches, very close to matching a decent team with an extra man: 579 to 628. Stats via premierleague.com.

It is encouraging to see the desire from Puel and his players to get back to some form of normality and regularity. And the aim, of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and staff: to obtain European qualification consistently for Leicester City football club is in sight. Maybe for next season. Southampton visit in the League Cup, Tuesday, November 27.