Did hype around Leicester affect players’ performance v Liverpool?

Foxes of Leicester wonders whether the hype around Leicester City before the Liverpool game affected the foxes players’ performance at Anfield.

Were the Leicester City squad feeling nervous, self-conscious, incapable or overawed before playing Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday? Possibly; there was so much talk – myself being a main culprit – of the Foxes actually being favorites for the match, partially due to topping the Premier League prior to the fixture. And, of course, the Reds’ injury issues boosted hopes.

Something just did not seem right with the King Power team on the night. I’ve said it since the final whistle a few times. Maybe it was confidence: but that is rarely a problem for Leicester – it’s quite a contrary scenario usually.

This article’s aim is not to disregard the fine display from a sewn together Jurgen Klopp eleven, either. We are, though, only concerned with Leicester’s shortcomings.

Working with the feeling of a strange aura appearing to surround the Leicester team on Merseyside, Foxes of Leicester have attempted to get to the truth or logical reasoning as to why the Foxes weren’t functioning correctly. Brendan Rodgers‘ usually spiritedly line-up were laborious and surprisingly ineffective after a run of six consecutive victories. And, I may have found the on pitch issue.

Passing statistics for the side versus the Reds are, in all fairness, terrible. I wouldn’t go as far as describing the percentages for some players as unforgivable – but unacceptable is a viable assessment. Put it this way: it is essential that Brendan Rodgers corrects the awful turnovers, possibly replacing some starters in the process.

Luckily, one of the worst offenders with a pass stat of 71.7 per cent – via WhoScored – is Youri Tielemans. Why that is fortunate, is because the usually superb midfielder is simply fatigued. Therefore he will, hopefully, resurrect his recently excellent form.

Kasper Schmeichel has evaded criticism for years with regard to his incredibly inaccurate kicking and generally awful distribution. With a success rate of 61.3%, and modern goalkeepers needing poise as well as quick feet – Schmeichel is the weakest link. Correcting these aspects will heighten chances of repeating some brilliant results on the road.