‘We can beat any team’: Brendan Rodgers’ latest press conference

Leicester City take on Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on Monday evening. In preparation Brendan Rodgers spoke to national media on Thursday, giving a few cracking responses in the process.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team will most probably be confident on Monday evening as they take on Leicester City at Etihad Stadium. That is despite the long used platitude of ‘must win game’ actually applying.

However, the Citizens would be wise not to be too sure of themselves as all Foxes will tell you that their faltered more than capable going there and causing a huge upset. Only to then lose to the likes of Cardiff City at home, hypothetically. Yet Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Bernardo Silva et al are still strong favourites to win the contest.

Well in advance of the game playing out, Brendan Rodgers gave his usual pre-match press conference:

"BR on team development:I wanted to come in and finish as high as we possibly could,” said Rodgers. “I said to the players that we really need to focus on the performance [against Arsenal], and don’t worry about winning, losing or drawing – just work on how we play.“This is an important period for us to bed in all the concepts. Everything I would want for the team, we were good at [versus Arsenal].”Via lcfc.com"

So, in spite of wanting his side to defeat Guardiola’s outfit, the Northern Irishman’s wishes are to continue Leicester’s positive transition into his playing system. This summer’s preseason seems as vital as any in memory to be constructive.

Almost all the pieces are in place for a realistic run at seventh in the Premier League, possibly even a cracking the top six; as clubs such as the Gunners falter and fail to make progress. A domestic cup triumph would be so appreciated by the Foxes faithful; even more than another excursion of European travels, to most.

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Additional important information from Rodgers’ Man City-presser:

"BR on Leicester City’s quality:“We respect that it will be a tough game for us but we have a game and a model that can beat any team.”On Okazaki leaving:“He leaves a champion. He leaves a legend…”On Tielemans’ suitors:“I don’t fear it. It’s something, he came here in January and what Leicester City have shown him is the opportunity that is here for a young player.”On thinking about Liverpool:“Not really. I am employed by Leicester. My focus is on Leicester City.”On Jamie Vardy playing for England:“It’s not going to happen.”On Vardy Party (three years ago):“The story was just remarkable and they deserved to party that night.”On style similarities:“What we are trying to develop here is a style not too dissimilar to Man City. When you haven’t got the ball, there is a real intent and hunger to get it back and when you have got the ball, you ask as many questions as you can.“You have to work very hard and in those moments when you break through the pressure, you have to make the most of it and that’s what we will hope to do.”On Choudhury’s issues:“He’s remorseful for his comments.”For more go to Leicester Mercury"

The Foxes gaffer also conformed that there are no fresh injury concerns in the squad.

Man City meet Leicester at 8pm BST on Monday, May 6.