Following today’s clash between Leicester City and Sheffield United, here are the instant reactions from both managers.
Leicester City hosted Sheffield United at the King Power Stadium in the FA Cup for a 7.45pm kick off on Friday February 16, with the hosts taking a narrow one nil victory courtesy of a Jamie Vardy strike in the 66th minute.
With Sheffield United knowing it would be a tough game, despite Leicester dominating possession they will take the positives following an early season four one loss to the same side, as clearly they battled better and were tighter at the back and they had two chances that they will wish in hindsight they’d have done better with.
Leicester uncharacteristically had the possession and tested the goalkeeper more often, but they stuck to their task well and did have a second Vardy strike ruled out for offside.
Leicester fans will take the positive of Riyad Mahrez grabbing the assist for the winner.
Teams:
Leicester:
Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Chilwell, Gray, Iborra, Ndidi, Mahrez (James 90+3), Iheanacho, Vardy (Albrighton 84).
Substitutes:
Hamer, Adrien Silva, Dragovic, Fuchs, Diabate.
Sheff Utd:
Blackman, Basham, Wright (Evans 76), O’Connell, Baldock, Lundstram, Carruthers (Duffy 76), Lafferty, Stevens, Donaldson, Wilson (Brooks 45).
Substitutes:
Sharp, Stearman, Heneghan, Eastwood.
Speaking to the BBC’s cameras a short time after match day referee Lee Mason blew the final whistle, Leicester City manager Claude Puel explained.
‘Tough game against a good team. It was difficult to find space. For the first 30 minutes the tempo was too slow, but the second half was good for us. We had to concentrate late in the game and Kasper made a very good save. It would have been more comfortable with more than one goal, but the important thing was to win.’
Puel added.
‘The most important thing in the game was the fans supported Riyad and when I replaced him, it was a good feeling with the fans. It`s important to stay united about this, it`s a good thing and we can move on. The situation is behind us, it`s important to look forward. Now we have two home games in the Premier League and it`s important to get the support of the fans. We need to come back in the Premier League with conviction.’
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder in his comparative interview explained.
‘It`s all I can ask from the players, but it was a fantastic finish from Vardy. The team they picked was a powerful one, we gave a good account of ourselves, but we are disappointed. When the big moments come, to win a cup tie at a Premier League side you have to take the chances but we didn`t and we paid the biggest price. We have performed great all season, the consistency levels have been great. To not be overrun here gives us great heart, and we need a great run in the league, which that has to be our priority. All I ask is we always leave everything out there on the pitch, and we need to push on now.’
