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THE LATEST LEICESTER CITY FC NEWS STORIES
Leicester City 1-2 Southampton
Ten man Saints move out of relegation zone with win at King Power stadium Shane Long scored his first goal for nine months as Southampton moved out of the Premier League relegation zone with a battling win at Leicester, despite spending the entire second half with 10 men. James Ward-Prowse gave Southampton an early lead from the penalty spot after Long was bundled over in the area by Nampalys Mendy. Saints defender Yan Valery was then shown a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Albrighton, but Republic of Ireland striker Long doubled the lead just before half-time with his first Southampton goal in 22 appearances.Wilfred Ndidi scrambled home Ricardo Pereira's cross to bring Leicester back into the game at the start of the second half, but Southampton held on for a priceless victory. The three points lift Southampton above Newcastle and Cardiff into 16th place. Leicester, meanwhile, drop one place to eighth. It is a third win in seven Premier League games for new Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, who punched the air with delight at the final whistle. His side were forced to defend on the edge of their own penalty area for the entirety of the second half, but the Southampton backline was superbly marshalled by Jannik Vestergaard and Jack Stephens and the win gives them real hope of avoiding relegation. The boos at the final whistle are unlikely to ease the pressure on Hasenhuttl's Leicester counterpart Claude Puel, who had demanded a response from his side following last weekend's FA Cup defeat at League Two Newport. Instead his team were timid from the outset and despite dominating possession in the second half, rarely looked like threatening Alex McCarthy in the Southampton goal. BBC 
Leicester reject Huddersfield’s opening bid for Shinji Okazaki
HUDDERSFIELD have had an initial bid for Shinji Okazaki turned down. Okazaki, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season and the Terriers desperately want to bolster their struggling attack. The club are currently bottom of the Premier League, having scored just 13 goals in 21 this season. Steve Mounie's strike in the 2-1 defeat to Burnley on January 2 was the first by a Huddersfield striker this season. The Yorkshire side are eight points from safety, having won two games all season and lost their last five matches. They also suffered a shock FA Cup third round defeat to Championship club Bristol City The Terriers have already secured Jason Puncheon on loan from Crystal Palace and have let winger Rajiv Van La Parra move to Middlesborough for the rest of the season. Okazaki, who has 116 caps and 50 goals for Japan, was a vital part of the Leicester side that won the Premier League in 2016. That season he made 36 appearances and scored five goals in the league having joined from German club Mainz for £7million in 2015. He has been forced to play a bit-part role this season due to injury and the form of others under Claude Puel. He was subsituted at half-time in the shock FA Cup third round defeat to Newport County. The Sun 
Harvey Barnes Recalled From West Brom Loan
Harvey Barnes has re-joined the Leicester City squad after being recalled from his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion. The 21-year-old has scored nine times in 26 appearances for the Baggies in the Championship this term, as well as contributing six assists to help keep Darren Moore’s side in the automatic promotion race. Barnes, who came through the ranks of Leicester City’s Academy, signed a new four-year contract with the Club in the summer ahead of his loan to West Brom, where he has built on an already impressive reputation. He made his senior debut in the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League away to Porto and went on to score six times in 21 appearances for MK Dons in a loan spell in League One later the season. After ending the campaign as top scorer for England’s Under-20s in the Toulon Tournament victory, Barnes gained further experience with a loan move to Barnsley in the second tier. He scored five times in 23 appearances for the Tykes. He made his Premier League debut for Leicester City in April against Southampton and went on to feature against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in the Foxes’ final two games of the last campaign. Subject to Premier League approval, Barnes will be eligible for Leicester City’s Premier League fixture against Southampton on Saturday afternoon. LCFC.COM |
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Leicester winger Fousseni Diabate joins Sivasspor on loan
Leicester winger Fousseni Diabate has joined Turkish side Sivasspor on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 23-year-old Mali youth international has appeared 19 times for the Foxes in all competitions.
He scored twice on his debut away to Peterborough in the FA Cup last season, a match that Leicester won 5-1. Diabate has made four appearances this season and last played in the 1-1 draw at Fulham in December.
He joined the Foxes from Corsican side Gazelec Ajaccio last January and will link up his new team-mates ahead of Sivasspor's next fixture away to Alanyaspor on January 20.
The Sivas-based side finished seventh in the Turkish Super Lig last term and are pushing for European qualification going into the second half of the current campaign
Sky Sports
Leicester winger Fousseni Diabate has joined Turkish side Sivasspor on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 23-year-old Mali youth international has appeared 19 times for the Foxes in all competitions.
He scored twice on his debut away to Peterborough in the FA Cup last season, a match that Leicester won 5-1. Diabate has made four appearances this season and last played in the 1-1 draw at Fulham in December.
He joined the Foxes from Corsican side Gazelec Ajaccio last January and will link up his new team-mates ahead of Sivasspor's next fixture away to Alanyaspor on January 20.
The Sivas-based side finished seventh in the Turkish Super Lig last term and are pushing for European qualification going into the second half of the current campaign
Sky Sports
Leicester considering recalling Harvey Barnes from West Brom loan / Diabate to leave
Leicester City are considering recalling midfielder Harvey Barnes from his loan spell at West Brom, Sky Sports News has been told.
Barnes has impressed at the Hawthorns this season, scoring nine goals in 28 appearances, and has played a key role in West Brom's promotion push. Claude Puel's options in midfield have been reduced this week with Leicester selling Vicente Iborra to Villarreal, increasing the likelihood of a recall for Barnes.
The Frenchman has said if Barnes comes back to Leicester it will be with a plan for him to play. Meanwhile, Sky Sports News understands Fousseni Diabate will be allowed to leave Leicester on loan during this window.
He has made just one Premier League appearance so far this season and Puel will allow the 21-year-old to go on loan this month if the right club comes forward.
Sky Sports
Leicester City are considering recalling midfielder Harvey Barnes from his loan spell at West Brom, Sky Sports News has been told.
Barnes has impressed at the Hawthorns this season, scoring nine goals in 28 appearances, and has played a key role in West Brom's promotion push. Claude Puel's options in midfield have been reduced this week with Leicester selling Vicente Iborra to Villarreal, increasing the likelihood of a recall for Barnes.
The Frenchman has said if Barnes comes back to Leicester it will be with a plan for him to play. Meanwhile, Sky Sports News understands Fousseni Diabate will be allowed to leave Leicester on loan during this window.
He has made just one Premier League appearance so far this season and Puel will allow the 21-year-old to go on loan this month if the right club comes forward.
Sky Sports
Vicente Iborra leaves Leicester to join Villarreal
Leicester midfielder Vicente Iborra has moved to Villarreal on a permanent deal.
The 30-year-old agreed a four-and-half-year contract with Villarreal that ties him to the La Liga club until June 2023, according to the Spanish club.
A statement on the Villarreal website read: "Iborra is an experienced midfielder who is dominant in the air. He has quality in front of goal, timing his runs from deep to perfection. He is a prestigious signing for the Yellow Submarine."
Iborra has made 37 appearances for the Foxes, scoring four times, since joining from Sevilla for £12.5m in July, 2017.
However, he has started just three Premier League games this season, with Nampalys Mendy and Wilfred Ndidi establishing themselves as Claude Puel's first-choice pairing in central midfield.
Hamza Choudhury also appears to have moved ahead of Iborra after starting four of Leicester's last five matches. Leicester said in a statement: "The football club would like to thank Vicente for his contribution over the past two seasons and wish him and his family the very best in the future."
Sky Sports
Leicester midfielder Vicente Iborra has moved to Villarreal on a permanent deal.
The 30-year-old agreed a four-and-half-year contract with Villarreal that ties him to the La Liga club until June 2023, according to the Spanish club.
A statement on the Villarreal website read: "Iborra is an experienced midfielder who is dominant in the air. He has quality in front of goal, timing his runs from deep to perfection. He is a prestigious signing for the Yellow Submarine."
Iborra has made 37 appearances for the Foxes, scoring four times, since joining from Sevilla for £12.5m in July, 2017.
However, he has started just three Premier League games this season, with Nampalys Mendy and Wilfred Ndidi establishing themselves as Claude Puel's first-choice pairing in central midfield.
Hamza Choudhury also appears to have moved ahead of Iborra after starting four of Leicester's last five matches. Leicester said in a statement: "The football club would like to thank Vicente for his contribution over the past two seasons and wish him and his family the very best in the future."
Sky Sports
NEWPORT COUNTY 2 LEICESTER 1
League Two side dump Leicester out of FA Cup after Marc Albrighton handball sets up Padraig Amond’s winner
HOME chairman Gavin Foxall’s missed his club’s opener because he needed the loo. But in a classic Cup tie, Newport showed incredible character to overcome a late leveller to dump Leicester out of the FA Cup.
At least Foxall would have seen the winner – and the mass celebrations at the end. It was no more than the Welsh team, 13th in League Two deserved at Rodney Parade – with the disjointed Premier League side made to look like plonkers. Jamille Matt has a degree from Wolverhampton university in counselling psychology and he gave Leicester plenty to think about with the opener. Rachid Ghezzal looked to have grabbed a replay with a fine goal only for Padraig Amond to score the winner from the penalty spot after Marc Albrighton handled.
Leicester made seven changes from the 1-0 win against Everton and also left Jamie Vardy at home. But they started well enough and had Ghezzal force a couple of saves from home keeper Joe Day. Yet with their first attack of the game – in the 10th minute – Newport got their ground – a rugby stadium - rocking. Christian Fuchs, whose surname on the official team-sheet was misspelt with the letter k, was skinned by Robbie Willmott and his excellent cross was met by Matt He peeled away from marker Wes Morgan and delivered an unstoppable header into the net with the help of the post.
It was the former Blackpool and Fleetwood striker’s 14th goal of the season and certainly one he will not forget. In what proved to be a cracking tie, Matty Dolan forced a couple of decent saves from Leicester’s Danny Ward while Albrighton and Shinji Okazaki wasted good chances. With Leicester struggling defensively, striker Matt had another chance to make it 2-0 while Okazaki had an effort blocked on the line by the impressive Mickey Demetriou. Okazaki paid the price for those wasted chance by getting the chop at half-time with James Maddison coming on.
It took a while for Leicester to wake up as they remained disorganised although Albrighton saw his curling, long-range effort strike the woodwork and Kelechi Iheanacho wasted an excellent opportunity after a mistake by Demetriou. Maddison, along with fellow sub Demarai Gray, certainly made a difference but Newport seemed to be hanging on. Home keeper Day pulled off a cracking stop to deny Iheanacho but the home side failed to clear and Ghazzel delivered his long-range pile driver. Just when you though Leicester would close the game out, Albrighton handled Vashon Neufville’s cross and Amond sent Ward the wrong way with a remarkably confident spot-kick.
After Wrexham in the second round 4-0, Newport had suffered a torrid festive period of three defeats and a draw. But when it comes to matches like this, the League sometimes takes second best.
The Sun
League Two side dump Leicester out of FA Cup after Marc Albrighton handball sets up Padraig Amond’s winner
HOME chairman Gavin Foxall’s missed his club’s opener because he needed the loo. But in a classic Cup tie, Newport showed incredible character to overcome a late leveller to dump Leicester out of the FA Cup.
At least Foxall would have seen the winner – and the mass celebrations at the end. It was no more than the Welsh team, 13th in League Two deserved at Rodney Parade – with the disjointed Premier League side made to look like plonkers. Jamille Matt has a degree from Wolverhampton university in counselling psychology and he gave Leicester plenty to think about with the opener. Rachid Ghezzal looked to have grabbed a replay with a fine goal only for Padraig Amond to score the winner from the penalty spot after Marc Albrighton handled.
Leicester made seven changes from the 1-0 win against Everton and also left Jamie Vardy at home. But they started well enough and had Ghezzal force a couple of saves from home keeper Joe Day. Yet with their first attack of the game – in the 10th minute – Newport got their ground – a rugby stadium - rocking. Christian Fuchs, whose surname on the official team-sheet was misspelt with the letter k, was skinned by Robbie Willmott and his excellent cross was met by Matt He peeled away from marker Wes Morgan and delivered an unstoppable header into the net with the help of the post.
It was the former Blackpool and Fleetwood striker’s 14th goal of the season and certainly one he will not forget. In what proved to be a cracking tie, Matty Dolan forced a couple of decent saves from Leicester’s Danny Ward while Albrighton and Shinji Okazaki wasted good chances. With Leicester struggling defensively, striker Matt had another chance to make it 2-0 while Okazaki had an effort blocked on the line by the impressive Mickey Demetriou. Okazaki paid the price for those wasted chance by getting the chop at half-time with James Maddison coming on.
It took a while for Leicester to wake up as they remained disorganised although Albrighton saw his curling, long-range effort strike the woodwork and Kelechi Iheanacho wasted an excellent opportunity after a mistake by Demetriou. Maddison, along with fellow sub Demarai Gray, certainly made a difference but Newport seemed to be hanging on. Home keeper Day pulled off a cracking stop to deny Iheanacho but the home side failed to clear and Ghazzel delivered his long-range pile driver. Just when you though Leicester would close the game out, Albrighton handled Vashon Neufville’s cross and Amond sent Ward the wrong way with a remarkably confident spot-kick.
After Wrexham in the second round 4-0, Newport had suffered a torrid festive period of three defeats and a draw. But when it comes to matches like this, the League sometimes takes second best.
The Sun
Jamie Vardy is probably the one player I do want them to rest': Newport manager Michael Flynn hopes Leicester send out a weakened team
Newport manager Michael Flynn hopes Claude Puel risks FA Cup humiliation by sending out a weakened Leicester team at Rodney Parade.
Leicester boss Puel was heavily criticised for his Carabao Cup quarter-final selection last month when his understrength side were beaten on penalties against makeshift Manchester City opponents.
Foxes fans felt it was a missed opportunity to win some silverware, and Flynn is hoping history repeats itself in the third-round tie in south Wales.
'I hope they change things,' Flynn said. 'Let's not dress it up, we need them to rest a few. 'Jamie Vardy is probably the one player I do want them to rest. 'He's come through the lower leagues so he knows what it's like to play at somewhere like Rodney Parade. 'He's very quick - he does the 100 metres in about nine seconds - he's always on the shoulder and he's a very good finisher. A top striker. 'But we will prepare as if it's Leicester's strongest team because I bet they are thinking they have a chance of winning the FA Cup this season.'
Newport almost pulled off the shock of last season's competition after beating Sky Bet Championship side Leeds in the third round.
Flynn's side were within eight minutes of knocking out Tottenham in round four at Rodney Parade when England captain Harry Kane equalised. Spurs won the Wembley replay 2-0. 'It's a great game and a free hit for us,' said Flynn, whose side are currently 12th in League Two and out of form with only one win in eight matches. 'Nobody is expecting us to win, but nobody was expecting us to get anything against Spurs or Leeds last year.
'It's exciting and hopefully the boys go out there and show what they can do, because on their day they are very capable of raising their levels.
'We are on TV because people think there is a chance of an upset. 'I believe if we play to the best of our abilities and Leicester have an off day, then there could be an upset.' Newport made around £700,000 from last season's FA Cup run and are already close to making half that figure again with a sell-out live TV date on Sunday.
A replay at the King Power Stadium would boost the County coffers even further, but Flynn insists there is only one result on his mind. 'The chairman might want a replay, but I don't care what he wants,' Flynn said. 'I want to win. I've got too many injuries to clock up another game. 'I want to get the job done and get another name in the hat.'
Daily Mail
Newport manager Michael Flynn hopes Claude Puel risks FA Cup humiliation by sending out a weakened Leicester team at Rodney Parade.
Leicester boss Puel was heavily criticised for his Carabao Cup quarter-final selection last month when his understrength side were beaten on penalties against makeshift Manchester City opponents.
Foxes fans felt it was a missed opportunity to win some silverware, and Flynn is hoping history repeats itself in the third-round tie in south Wales.
'I hope they change things,' Flynn said. 'Let's not dress it up, we need them to rest a few. 'Jamie Vardy is probably the one player I do want them to rest. 'He's come through the lower leagues so he knows what it's like to play at somewhere like Rodney Parade. 'He's very quick - he does the 100 metres in about nine seconds - he's always on the shoulder and he's a very good finisher. A top striker. 'But we will prepare as if it's Leicester's strongest team because I bet they are thinking they have a chance of winning the FA Cup this season.'
Newport almost pulled off the shock of last season's competition after beating Sky Bet Championship side Leeds in the third round.
Flynn's side were within eight minutes of knocking out Tottenham in round four at Rodney Parade when England captain Harry Kane equalised. Spurs won the Wembley replay 2-0. 'It's a great game and a free hit for us,' said Flynn, whose side are currently 12th in League Two and out of form with only one win in eight matches. 'Nobody is expecting us to win, but nobody was expecting us to get anything against Spurs or Leeds last year.
'It's exciting and hopefully the boys go out there and show what they can do, because on their day they are very capable of raising their levels.
'We are on TV because people think there is a chance of an upset. 'I believe if we play to the best of our abilities and Leicester have an off day, then there could be an upset.' Newport made around £700,000 from last season's FA Cup run and are already close to making half that figure again with a sell-out live TV date on Sunday.
A replay at the King Power Stadium would boost the County coffers even further, but Flynn insists there is only one result on his mind. 'The chairman might want a replay, but I don't care what he wants,' Flynn said. 'I want to win. I've got too many injuries to clock up another game. 'I want to get the job done and get another name in the hat.'
Daily Mail
Ricardo Nominated For PFA Player Of The Month Award
Leicester City star Ricardo Pereira has been named on a six-man shortlist for the December PFA Bristol Street Motors Premier League Player of the Month Award.
The 25-year-old Portugal international has been in fine form for the Foxes this term after joining from FC Porto in the summer.
In December, Ricardo scored a stunning goal to help City defeat current Premier League champions Manchester City 2-1 at King Power Stadium on Boxing Day.
He featured in all but one of City’s fixtures last month, also playing pivotal roles in the victories over Watford and Chelsea.
The full shortlist is as follows:
Eden Hazard, Chelsea
Harry Kane, Tottenham Hotspur
Ricardo Pereira, Leicester City
Paul Pogba, Manchester Utd
Marcus Rashford, Manchester Utd
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool
To cast your vote, click here. Voting ends at 8am GMT on Monday 7 January.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City star Ricardo Pereira has been named on a six-man shortlist for the December PFA Bristol Street Motors Premier League Player of the Month Award.
The 25-year-old Portugal international has been in fine form for the Foxes this term after joining from FC Porto in the summer.
In December, Ricardo scored a stunning goal to help City defeat current Premier League champions Manchester City 2-1 at King Power Stadium on Boxing Day.
He featured in all but one of City’s fixtures last month, also playing pivotal roles in the victories over Watford and Chelsea.
The full shortlist is as follows:
Eden Hazard, Chelsea
Harry Kane, Tottenham Hotspur
Ricardo Pereira, Leicester City
Paul Pogba, Manchester Utd
Marcus Rashford, Manchester Utd
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool
To cast your vote, click here. Voting ends at 8am GMT on Monday 7 January.
LCFC.COM
Claude Puel says Leicester's Filip Benkovic is likely to remain on loan with Celtic
Leicester boss Claude Puel says central defender Filip Benkovic is likely to remain on loan with Scottish champions Celtic until the end of the season.
Brendan Rodgers was keen to keep Benkovic, who joined the Hoops on loan in August, at Parkhead but there were fears he could be withdrawn by Puel in January.
However, the Leicester boss revealed the defender will stay at Celtic, provided the Foxes do not get hit by injuries. The Leicester boss said: "We have a lot of defenders at the club. "Assuming we don't get any injuries, it's better Filip maintains his loan at Celtic."
Benkovic was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury during the first half of Celtic's 1-0 loss to Glasgow rivals Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday. The 21-year-old Croatian signed for Leicester from Dinamo Zagreb in August 2018 on a five-year contract for a fee in the region of £13m.
Sky Sports
Leicester boss Claude Puel says central defender Filip Benkovic is likely to remain on loan with Scottish champions Celtic until the end of the season.
Brendan Rodgers was keen to keep Benkovic, who joined the Hoops on loan in August, at Parkhead but there were fears he could be withdrawn by Puel in January.
However, the Leicester boss revealed the defender will stay at Celtic, provided the Foxes do not get hit by injuries. The Leicester boss said: "We have a lot of defenders at the club. "Assuming we don't get any injuries, it's better Filip maintains his loan at Celtic."
Benkovic was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury during the first half of Celtic's 1-0 loss to Glasgow rivals Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday. The 21-year-old Croatian signed for Leicester from Dinamo Zagreb in August 2018 on a five-year contract for a fee in the region of £13m.
Sky Sports
West Brom seeking talks with Leicester City over future of Harvey Barnes
West Brom are seeking talks with Leicester City over the immediate future of Harvey Barnes.
With the January transfer window open, City can now recall the 21-year-old attacking midfielder from his loan spell at the Hawthorns.
Barnes has been in superb form for the promotion-chasing Baggies , scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in 26 Championship matches, prompting talk of an early return to the King Power Stadium.
When asked about the possibility of recalling Barnes by BBC Radio Leicester, City manager Claude Puel said: "We will see."
Earlier, Puel had given a fuller answer on fellow loanee Filip Benkovic, saying it "is better if perhaps he maintains his loan" at Celtic. However, on Barnes, West Brom boss Darren Moore said no decision had been made, with the two clubs yet to discuss his future. “No, because we’ve been outside the window,” Moore said after West Brom’s New Year’s Day defeat to Blackburn, in which Barnes won a penalty.
“We knew that Harvey was here now. The window’s back open. We’ll talk to Leicester about Harvey and once we know the decision we’ll notify you guys. “Harvey’s been an excellent player for West Brom, he’s showed the qualities why we brought him to the club.
“We’ve improved him as a player. (Yesterday) he was a constant threat for us and he showed his skill and temperament.
“He has a goal prowess about him. Long may that continue for the second half of the season, but we’ll speak to Leicester during the month.”
Last season, Barnes was recalled from his loan at Barnsley on New Year’s Day but made just five senior appearances for City in the second half of the campaign.
Puel has been reasonably consistent in his thoughts on Barnes this term, suggesting that he would prefer the 21-year-old to stay at the Hawthorns but would recall him if City's attacking options were reduced by injury.
Leicester Mercury
West Brom are seeking talks with Leicester City over the immediate future of Harvey Barnes.
With the January transfer window open, City can now recall the 21-year-old attacking midfielder from his loan spell at the Hawthorns.
Barnes has been in superb form for the promotion-chasing Baggies , scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in 26 Championship matches, prompting talk of an early return to the King Power Stadium.
When asked about the possibility of recalling Barnes by BBC Radio Leicester, City manager Claude Puel said: "We will see."
Earlier, Puel had given a fuller answer on fellow loanee Filip Benkovic, saying it "is better if perhaps he maintains his loan" at Celtic. However, on Barnes, West Brom boss Darren Moore said no decision had been made, with the two clubs yet to discuss his future. “No, because we’ve been outside the window,” Moore said after West Brom’s New Year’s Day defeat to Blackburn, in which Barnes won a penalty.
“We knew that Harvey was here now. The window’s back open. We’ll talk to Leicester about Harvey and once we know the decision we’ll notify you guys. “Harvey’s been an excellent player for West Brom, he’s showed the qualities why we brought him to the club.
“We’ve improved him as a player. (Yesterday) he was a constant threat for us and he showed his skill and temperament.
“He has a goal prowess about him. Long may that continue for the second half of the season, but we’ll speak to Leicester during the month.”
Last season, Barnes was recalled from his loan at Barnsley on New Year’s Day but made just five senior appearances for City in the second half of the campaign.
Puel has been reasonably consistent in his thoughts on Barnes this term, suggesting that he would prefer the 21-year-old to stay at the Hawthorns but would recall him if City's attacking options were reduced by injury.
Leicester Mercury
Vicente Iborra says January transfer from Leicester City to Villarreal is a 'possibility'
A January transfer to Villarreal is a “possibility” for Vicente Iborra, the Spanish midfielder has said.
Iborra has been regularly linked with a move away from Leicester City this season, with former clubs Levante and Sevilla also among those reportedly interested. For the first time since September, Iborra was not included in a Premier League matchday squad as City beat Everton 1-0 on New Year’s Day.
That triggered more talk in Spain of Iborra returning to La Liga, particularly after his comments before the new year. Asked about Villarreal’s interest by Spanish radio station RNE, Iborra said: “It is a possibility that is there. Villarreal is an issue that is unclear, but we’ll see. “I do want to assess something that today is not certain. If something happens, it will be seen, but to this day I’m still a Leicester player.”
Used as a back-up to Papy Mendy and Wilfred Ndidi this season, Iborra looks to have dropped a place in the midfield pecking order after Hamza Choudhury’s rise in prominence. The academy product has started four of the past five matches in all competitions, with City unbeaten in those fixtures.
Matty James’ imminent return to fitness gives Claude Puel another option in the centre of the park, meaning midfield departures are likely. Adrien Silva and Andy King are both expected to leave City this window.
Leicester Mercury
A January transfer to Villarreal is a “possibility” for Vicente Iborra, the Spanish midfielder has said.
Iborra has been regularly linked with a move away from Leicester City this season, with former clubs Levante and Sevilla also among those reportedly interested. For the first time since September, Iborra was not included in a Premier League matchday squad as City beat Everton 1-0 on New Year’s Day.
That triggered more talk in Spain of Iborra returning to La Liga, particularly after his comments before the new year. Asked about Villarreal’s interest by Spanish radio station RNE, Iborra said: “It is a possibility that is there. Villarreal is an issue that is unclear, but we’ll see. “I do want to assess something that today is not certain. If something happens, it will be seen, but to this day I’m still a Leicester player.”
Used as a back-up to Papy Mendy and Wilfred Ndidi this season, Iborra looks to have dropped a place in the midfield pecking order after Hamza Choudhury’s rise in prominence. The academy product has started four of the past five matches in all competitions, with City unbeaten in those fixtures.
Matty James’ imminent return to fitness gives Claude Puel another option in the centre of the park, meaning midfield departures are likely. Adrien Silva and Andy King are both expected to leave City this window.
Leicester Mercury
EVERTON 0 LEICESTER 1
Jamie Vardy flips his way into 2019 with trademark finish to give Leicester win at Everton
JAMIE VARDY rose above the dross of a New Year’s Day shocker at Goodison Park by continuing to chew up the Toffees. Vardy predictably bagged the first goal of 2019 – and given his record against Everton, the former England striker was an even safer bet to raise the excitement levels, however briefly.
His 58th-minute strike meant he has now been involved in seven goals in his eight appearances against the Merseysiders, scoring five and supplying a couple of assists.But, typically, in a game littered with errors, his goal came from an absolute howler from Everton defender Michael Keane.
Keane’s attempt to control a long clearance bounced off his shin, and fell obligingly into the path of Ricardo Pereira. He provided the sort of path Vardy thrives on, allowing him to outpace Kurt Zouma and skip the ball past the advancing Jordan Pickford, before launching into a stunning somersault celebration.
That might have woken up a few supporters sleeping off New Year’s Eve hangovers. The first half was a truly dreadful affair, with neither side capable of stringing more than a couple of passes together. That was borne out by the fact that both sides missed their man with attempted passes more than sixty times in the opening 45 minutes – a stat that will hopefully not be repeated too often in 2019. Jonjoe Kenny, chosen at right-back ahead of Everton stalwart Seamus Coleman, was one of the worst culprits, giving the ball away ten times in the opening twenty minutes.
But he almost redeemed himself as he came closest to breaking the first-half deadlock, rattling the Leicester bar with a 25-yard piledriver with Kapser Schmeichel nowhere near the ball. That was the closest Everton came to a shot on target before the break and they did not even force their first corner until the 44th minute. Leicester were just as poor and Vardy spent most of his time on the touchline, apparently pleading with Claude Puel to send on someone who could give him something to run on to.
That probably had something to do with the half-time introduction of Marc Albrighton for Rachid Ghezzal down the right flank.
But it was Everton fall guy Keane who did most to help Vardy as the Foxes take another step towards the Best of the Rest title by leapfrogging Wolves into seventh.
The Sun
Jamie Vardy flips his way into 2019 with trademark finish to give Leicester win at Everton
JAMIE VARDY rose above the dross of a New Year’s Day shocker at Goodison Park by continuing to chew up the Toffees. Vardy predictably bagged the first goal of 2019 – and given his record against Everton, the former England striker was an even safer bet to raise the excitement levels, however briefly.
His 58th-minute strike meant he has now been involved in seven goals in his eight appearances against the Merseysiders, scoring five and supplying a couple of assists.But, typically, in a game littered with errors, his goal came from an absolute howler from Everton defender Michael Keane.
Keane’s attempt to control a long clearance bounced off his shin, and fell obligingly into the path of Ricardo Pereira. He provided the sort of path Vardy thrives on, allowing him to outpace Kurt Zouma and skip the ball past the advancing Jordan Pickford, before launching into a stunning somersault celebration.
That might have woken up a few supporters sleeping off New Year’s Eve hangovers. The first half was a truly dreadful affair, with neither side capable of stringing more than a couple of passes together. That was borne out by the fact that both sides missed their man with attempted passes more than sixty times in the opening 45 minutes – a stat that will hopefully not be repeated too often in 2019. Jonjoe Kenny, chosen at right-back ahead of Everton stalwart Seamus Coleman, was one of the worst culprits, giving the ball away ten times in the opening twenty minutes.
But he almost redeemed himself as he came closest to breaking the first-half deadlock, rattling the Leicester bar with a 25-yard piledriver with Kapser Schmeichel nowhere near the ball. That was the closest Everton came to a shot on target before the break and they did not even force their first corner until the 44th minute. Leicester were just as poor and Vardy spent most of his time on the touchline, apparently pleading with Claude Puel to send on someone who could give him something to run on to.
That probably had something to do with the half-time introduction of Marc Albrighton for Rachid Ghezzal down the right flank.
But it was Everton fall guy Keane who did most to help Vardy as the Foxes take another step towards the Best of the Rest title by leapfrogging Wolves into seventh.
The Sun
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez FAVOURITE to beat Brendan Rodgers to Leicester job
Leicester manager Claude Puel is tipped to be the next Premier League manager sacked.
Despite recent wins over Chelsea and Manchester City, Leicester look set to soon change their manager.
Puel is the 6/4 favourite with bookmakers Paddy Power to get the axe ahead of Huddersfield Town’s David Wagner, and Benitez has shot to the top of the pack of potential replacements.
The bookies claim a surge of bets have been placed on the Toon boss quitting Newcastle for the King Power. Benitez was out at 100/1 to be the next Leicester manager on Sunday. But that price has collapsed to just 7/2 today! Celtic boss Rodgers is 7/1 to be named the next Leicester manager, alongside Roberto Martinez and Sam Allardyce.
Leicester sit eighth in the Premier League and a comfortable 13 points above the relegation zone.Yet Puel’s job is said to be far from secure. As for Benitez, his Newcastle side are just three points above the drop zone as owner Mike Ashley tries to sell the club. Benitez is not expected to be handed any transfer funds in the January window - in part because of Ashley’s intent to sell up.
Celtic, meanwhile, are embroiled in their toughest title battle since Rodgers arrived three years ago.
The Hoops lost to Rangers 1-0 in the Old Firm on Saturday but keep top spot in the Scottish Premiership on goal difference.
Daily Express
Leicester manager Claude Puel is tipped to be the next Premier League manager sacked.
Despite recent wins over Chelsea and Manchester City, Leicester look set to soon change their manager.
Puel is the 6/4 favourite with bookmakers Paddy Power to get the axe ahead of Huddersfield Town’s David Wagner, and Benitez has shot to the top of the pack of potential replacements.
The bookies claim a surge of bets have been placed on the Toon boss quitting Newcastle for the King Power. Benitez was out at 100/1 to be the next Leicester manager on Sunday. But that price has collapsed to just 7/2 today! Celtic boss Rodgers is 7/1 to be named the next Leicester manager, alongside Roberto Martinez and Sam Allardyce.
Leicester sit eighth in the Premier League and a comfortable 13 points above the relegation zone.Yet Puel’s job is said to be far from secure. As for Benitez, his Newcastle side are just three points above the drop zone as owner Mike Ashley tries to sell the club. Benitez is not expected to be handed any transfer funds in the January window - in part because of Ashley’s intent to sell up.
Celtic, meanwhile, are embroiled in their toughest title battle since Rodgers arrived three years ago.
The Hoops lost to Rangers 1-0 in the Old Firm on Saturday but keep top spot in the Scottish Premiership on goal difference.
Daily Express
'Leicester target Elneny needs to leave Arsenal' - Emery outcast urged to seek January move
Mohamed Elneny has been advised to leave Arsenal in January by one of his former coaches.
The Egypt international has been overlooked for much of the campaign and has made just one Premier League appearance this term. With five outings in the Europa League and another in the Carabao Cup, the 26-year-old has had to settle for a back-up role under Unai Emery and has been linked with a move to Leicester City.
According to Hamdy Nouh, coach of Elneny's former team El Mokawloon, he must look for a way out of north London."He needs to leave Arsenal in the next transfer market, at least on loan to play more and regain his confidence," he told Goal. "He has been influenced lately by the change in coach and his new style, but I am confident that he will return better than before, because of his great potential and the competitive spirit that will help him get back in."
Elneny joined El Mokawloon as a youth player in 2008 and broke into the senior team two years later, going on to make 39 appearances in all competitions before moving to Basel in 2013. Whoever does acquire the midfielder, Nouh says they will be signing a committed individual.
"He is one of the best players I have trained, he has a constant desire to learn and develop," he added
"He is committed to the coach's instructions on and off the pitch, which always helps him to be present mainly with most of the teams he has played for.
"Like all the players I've dealt with, I've tried to create a professional atmosphere for him from the time he was young, with closed camps, specific sleeping times, training and eating to get used to the professional atmosphere, which he always adhered to.
"I tried to develop his ability to shoot from long distances and play offensively." Elneny signed a new contract until 2022 with Arsenal last March and admitted in the summer he was "excited" by the prospect of a fresh start under Arsene Wenger's successor Emery. The Spaniard has spoken with Elneny over his lack of opportunities but has offered few guarantees over his long-term future.
Should Elneny's watching brief continue when the Gunners host Fulham on New Year's Day, his next appearance is likely to come in the FA Cup third round against Blackpool.
Yahoo
Mohamed Elneny has been advised to leave Arsenal in January by one of his former coaches.
The Egypt international has been overlooked for much of the campaign and has made just one Premier League appearance this term. With five outings in the Europa League and another in the Carabao Cup, the 26-year-old has had to settle for a back-up role under Unai Emery and has been linked with a move to Leicester City.
According to Hamdy Nouh, coach of Elneny's former team El Mokawloon, he must look for a way out of north London."He needs to leave Arsenal in the next transfer market, at least on loan to play more and regain his confidence," he told Goal. "He has been influenced lately by the change in coach and his new style, but I am confident that he will return better than before, because of his great potential and the competitive spirit that will help him get back in."
Elneny joined El Mokawloon as a youth player in 2008 and broke into the senior team two years later, going on to make 39 appearances in all competitions before moving to Basel in 2013. Whoever does acquire the midfielder, Nouh says they will be signing a committed individual.
"He is one of the best players I have trained, he has a constant desire to learn and develop," he added
"He is committed to the coach's instructions on and off the pitch, which always helps him to be present mainly with most of the teams he has played for.
"Like all the players I've dealt with, I've tried to create a professional atmosphere for him from the time he was young, with closed camps, specific sleeping times, training and eating to get used to the professional atmosphere, which he always adhered to.
"I tried to develop his ability to shoot from long distances and play offensively." Elneny signed a new contract until 2022 with Arsenal last March and admitted in the summer he was "excited" by the prospect of a fresh start under Arsene Wenger's successor Emery. The Spaniard has spoken with Elneny over his lack of opportunities but has offered few guarantees over his long-term future.
Should Elneny's watching brief continue when the Gunners host Fulham on New Year's Day, his next appearance is likely to come in the FA Cup third round against Blackpool.
Yahoo
Leicester 0 Cardiff 1 - Victor Camarasa steals it for the Bluebirds for first away win of season after Neil Etheridge saves James Maddison soft penalty
VICTOR Camarasa stunned Leicester with a last-gasp Cardiff winner - after James Maddison had seen his penalty kick saved.
Maddison fluffed a spot-kick for Leicester after boss Claude Puel was booed by fans for subbing regular penalty taker Jamie Vardy. But there was more misery for Puel and his Foxes as Camarasa curled in a superb shot from 20 yards to seal the points. It was the on loan Real Betis midfielder’s third goal of the season as Cardiff won on the road for the first time this campaign.
Leicester looked to have bagged their third win in a row with 17 minutes left after Bluebirds skipper Sean Morrison pulled back Maddison in the area. But Etheridge pulled off his third penalty save of the season after keeping out Maddison's weak effort
Ironically, Vardy had been taken off by Puel just six minutes earlier after a frustrating day for the ex-England striker. The decision was jeered by sections of the Foxes supporters. And their fears were realised when Leicester won a penalty, only for Vardy to be sitting it out. Trust Neil Warnock to spoil the party though.
Puel seemed to have shaken off a rocky spell which saw his future at the club called into question. He responded with two wins over Chelsea and Manchester City. But Warnock’s Cardiff shut them down at the King Power Stadium before killing them off at the end in the second minute of stoppage time.
Sub Rachid Ghezzal lost the ball to Harry Arter who found Bobby Reid and he set up Camarasa who produced a spectacular finish.
Cardiff finished the stronger side and they had chances to wrap the game up before that. Leicester could not find a way past Etheridge and - with a whiff of European qualification in the air - Puel’s men were brought back down to earth.
The Sun
VICTOR Camarasa stunned Leicester with a last-gasp Cardiff winner - after James Maddison had seen his penalty kick saved.
Maddison fluffed a spot-kick for Leicester after boss Claude Puel was booed by fans for subbing regular penalty taker Jamie Vardy. But there was more misery for Puel and his Foxes as Camarasa curled in a superb shot from 20 yards to seal the points. It was the on loan Real Betis midfielder’s third goal of the season as Cardiff won on the road for the first time this campaign.
Leicester looked to have bagged their third win in a row with 17 minutes left after Bluebirds skipper Sean Morrison pulled back Maddison in the area. But Etheridge pulled off his third penalty save of the season after keeping out Maddison's weak effort
Ironically, Vardy had been taken off by Puel just six minutes earlier after a frustrating day for the ex-England striker. The decision was jeered by sections of the Foxes supporters. And their fears were realised when Leicester won a penalty, only for Vardy to be sitting it out. Trust Neil Warnock to spoil the party though.
Puel seemed to have shaken off a rocky spell which saw his future at the club called into question. He responded with two wins over Chelsea and Manchester City. But Warnock’s Cardiff shut them down at the King Power Stadium before killing them off at the end in the second minute of stoppage time.
Sub Rachid Ghezzal lost the ball to Harry Arter who found Bobby Reid and he set up Camarasa who produced a spectacular finish.
Cardiff finished the stronger side and they had chances to wrap the game up before that. Leicester could not find a way past Etheridge and - with a whiff of European qualification in the air - Puel’s men were brought back down to earth.
The Sun
Leicester defender Harry Maguire says club 'all in this together' after Claude Puel rumours
Leicester defender Harry Maguire says everyone at the club is "all in this together" and reflects on a roller-coaster year.
The Foxes have had a fruitful festive period so far - beating Chelsea and Manchester City in the Premier League - although there were media rumours that manager Claude Puel had lost the dressing room. However, Maguire says there is no truth to the stories and Leicester must not let their recent good form get the better of them when they host Cardiff on Saturday. "No, not at all [Puel has not lost the dressing room]. We're all in this together," he told Sky Sports.
"I'm sure every member of the management and all of the staff would want to get the same result as the players. We go out and play on a matchday and we're all after three points. We're definitely all in it together and the last two results have shown that. "It's important that we don't let the Man City and Chelsea results go to our head and take Cardiff for granted. "They showed against Crystal Palace a few days ago that they're decent, and Neil Warnock's doing an unbelievable job with them. That'll breed confidence into them and we know it's going to be a tough game.
"In the new year, hopefully we can improve our discipline and improve but the performances have been there. We've had too many draws at home but apart from that, it's nice to be sat seventh in the league with a home game coming up." In October, Leicester owner and chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was killed in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium and Maguire says the reaction from the club demonstrates their togetherness.
"It was such a sad moment for everyone," he added. "It affected people in different ways. It did have an affect on the team, because we weren't really training and people's minds were elsewhere. "We're such a tight-knit group, it's like a family. I think it's important that everyone has stuck together and that's what we've done. When I came to the club, it was exactly the same. There's a reason they won the Premier League against all the odds
" Of course, there were happier moments for Maguire in 2018, most notably helping England to a World Cup semi-final in Russia. He said: "It's been an incredible year. To play every game in the Premier League last season was important for me. Having signed from Hull, receiving the Player of the Year award at Leicester and then going to the World Cup and reaching the semi-finals, it's been a great year for myself.
"Gareth Southgate brings out the best in players in big tournaments and big pressure games. I think that when the team is doing well it helps individual performances. "We were all playing with a lot of confidence and credit to Gareth for that as he instilled confidence in us. It was a great summer for us all and hopefully there's many more of those to come."
Sky Sports
Leicester defender Harry Maguire says everyone at the club is "all in this together" and reflects on a roller-coaster year.
The Foxes have had a fruitful festive period so far - beating Chelsea and Manchester City in the Premier League - although there were media rumours that manager Claude Puel had lost the dressing room. However, Maguire says there is no truth to the stories and Leicester must not let their recent good form get the better of them when they host Cardiff on Saturday. "No, not at all [Puel has not lost the dressing room]. We're all in this together," he told Sky Sports.
"I'm sure every member of the management and all of the staff would want to get the same result as the players. We go out and play on a matchday and we're all after three points. We're definitely all in it together and the last two results have shown that. "It's important that we don't let the Man City and Chelsea results go to our head and take Cardiff for granted. "They showed against Crystal Palace a few days ago that they're decent, and Neil Warnock's doing an unbelievable job with them. That'll breed confidence into them and we know it's going to be a tough game.
"In the new year, hopefully we can improve our discipline and improve but the performances have been there. We've had too many draws at home but apart from that, it's nice to be sat seventh in the league with a home game coming up." In October, Leicester owner and chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was killed in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium and Maguire says the reaction from the club demonstrates their togetherness.
"It was such a sad moment for everyone," he added. "It affected people in different ways. It did have an affect on the team, because we weren't really training and people's minds were elsewhere. "We're such a tight-knit group, it's like a family. I think it's important that everyone has stuck together and that's what we've done. When I came to the club, it was exactly the same. There's a reason they won the Premier League against all the odds
" Of course, there were happier moments for Maguire in 2018, most notably helping England to a World Cup semi-final in Russia. He said: "It's been an incredible year. To play every game in the Premier League last season was important for me. Having signed from Hull, receiving the Player of the Year award at Leicester and then going to the World Cup and reaching the semi-finals, it's been a great year for myself.
"Gareth Southgate brings out the best in players in big tournaments and big pressure games. I think that when the team is doing well it helps individual performances. "We were all playing with a lot of confidence and credit to Gareth for that as he instilled confidence in us. It was a great summer for us all and hopefully there's many more of those to come."
Sky Sports
Danny Simpson wants to hold talks with Leicester over future as his contract expires in six months
Danny Simpson has said he would like talks with Leicester over his future as he enters the final six months of his contract.
The right-back's current deal runs out next summer and he is yet to hear what the club is planning.
A number of sides are interested in making a January move, and Leicester may look to recoup a fee before he is available for nothing. But Simpson said he would like to stay after winning the Premier League title at the club.
The 31-year-old had to wait until November for his first appearance this season but he has now played five times and came on to sure up defence against Manchester City. He said: 'Obviously my contract is up at the end of the season. It's kind of out of my hands really. I'm pretty sure at some point people in charge will speak to me.
'I've been here a pretty long time so I'm sure they will let me know what my options are sooner rather than later. 'I love it here. I'm happy at the club, the fans, everything. There are lads who have left this place who miss it. 'It's a special dressing room. It would make it difficult to move, of course.'
Daily Mai;
Danny Simpson has said he would like talks with Leicester over his future as he enters the final six months of his contract.
The right-back's current deal runs out next summer and he is yet to hear what the club is planning.
A number of sides are interested in making a January move, and Leicester may look to recoup a fee before he is available for nothing. But Simpson said he would like to stay after winning the Premier League title at the club.
The 31-year-old had to wait until November for his first appearance this season but he has now played five times and came on to sure up defence against Manchester City. He said: 'Obviously my contract is up at the end of the season. It's kind of out of my hands really. I'm pretty sure at some point people in charge will speak to me.
'I've been here a pretty long time so I'm sure they will let me know what my options are sooner rather than later. 'I love it here. I'm happy at the club, the fans, everything. There are lads who have left this place who miss it. 'It's a special dressing room. It would make it difficult to move, of course.'
Daily Mai;
Claude Puel feels his Leicester squad rotation vindicated by 'amazing' wins over Chelsea and Manchester City
Claude Puel believes that his controversial squad rotation for Leicester City’s League Cup quarter-final defeat has been vindicated following shock back-to-back Premier League wins against Chelsea and Manchester City
.
Serious questions were being asked last week about the Frenchman’s training methods and selection decisions amid growing unrest behind the scenes. The pressure, though, was further eased yesterday after his players followed up an away win at Chelsea with a 2-1 victory against defending Premier League champions Manchester City.
It has lifted Leicester to seventh place in the table at the halfway point of the season, with Puel adamant that the most important fixture of the entire festive period will be against Cardiff City on Saturday. Leicester missed out a week ago last Tuesday on the chance to reach the semi-final of the League Cup after losing a penalty shoot out against Manchester City. Only two players who started that match were in Puel’s Boxing Day XI yesterday in the Premier League.
Asked if he now felt vindicated, Puel said: “We put in place rotation to protect the players. People sometimes didn't understand why we keep the rotation but it's not possible to keep a high level, to play every three days, and keep the same team. It was possible because we made the rotation. We have a squad close between players and we need to use this possibility.”
Leicester now face Cardiff City on Saturday before facing Everton on New Year’s Day in what will be their fourth Premier League match only 11 days. Further changes appear likely.“We need now to maintain a level,” said Puel. “I will see the recovery of the players. The most important game will be against Cardiff. We created the upset but we played against top sides. It was just a challenge. I would like to congratulate my players - it was amazing.”
The Telegraph
Claude Puel believes that his controversial squad rotation for Leicester City’s League Cup quarter-final defeat has been vindicated following shock back-to-back Premier League wins against Chelsea and Manchester City
.
Serious questions were being asked last week about the Frenchman’s training methods and selection decisions amid growing unrest behind the scenes. The pressure, though, was further eased yesterday after his players followed up an away win at Chelsea with a 2-1 victory against defending Premier League champions Manchester City.
It has lifted Leicester to seventh place in the table at the halfway point of the season, with Puel adamant that the most important fixture of the entire festive period will be against Cardiff City on Saturday. Leicester missed out a week ago last Tuesday on the chance to reach the semi-final of the League Cup after losing a penalty shoot out against Manchester City. Only two players who started that match were in Puel’s Boxing Day XI yesterday in the Premier League.
Asked if he now felt vindicated, Puel said: “We put in place rotation to protect the players. People sometimes didn't understand why we keep the rotation but it's not possible to keep a high level, to play every three days, and keep the same team. It was possible because we made the rotation. We have a squad close between players and we need to use this possibility.”
Leicester now face Cardiff City on Saturday before facing Everton on New Year’s Day in what will be their fourth Premier League match only 11 days. Further changes appear likely.“We need now to maintain a level,” said Puel. “I will see the recovery of the players. The most important game will be against Cardiff. We created the upset but we played against top sides. It was just a challenge. I would like to congratulate my players - it was amazing.”
The Telegraph
Claude Puel Reveals What Pleased Him Most About Stunning Win Over Champions Man City
Leicester City manager Claude Puel has praised his players after they followed up a win over Chelsea with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Boxing Day.
City took the lead through Bernardo Silva, but Marc Albrighton quickly equalised for Leicester. The Foxes then enjoyed several fantastic chances to score against a lacklustre City side, and defender Ricardo Pereira eventually netted the winner with an impressive strike from distance late in the game.
Speaking after the game, Puel admitted he was ecstatic with Leicester's performance, quoted by the Leicester Mercury as saying: "I'd like to congratulate my players. In three games we've played City twice and Chelsea. I was encouraged by our togetherness.
"It was difficult without the ball. They were comfortable on the ball. They managed it well. We conceded a goal without conceding a lot of chances. We had the right reaction. "This wasn't like the beginning of the season when we conceded a goal. We came back in the game quickly. After, we finished the first half with a lot of chances to score.
"I was a little afraid because it was a good moment to score. In the second half we kept good organisation while perhaps a little tired. "We managed the game. We kept solidity and togetherness. We scored at the right moment when there was not a lot of time of left for a reaction. I'm happy for my players. It's amazing. We've beaten another top side.
"We've performed well against the top sides like Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United without getting results. It's encouraging to manage this game against a top team."
90min.com
Leicester City manager Claude Puel has praised his players after they followed up a win over Chelsea with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Boxing Day.
City took the lead through Bernardo Silva, but Marc Albrighton quickly equalised for Leicester. The Foxes then enjoyed several fantastic chances to score against a lacklustre City side, and defender Ricardo Pereira eventually netted the winner with an impressive strike from distance late in the game.
Speaking after the game, Puel admitted he was ecstatic with Leicester's performance, quoted by the Leicester Mercury as saying: "I'd like to congratulate my players. In three games we've played City twice and Chelsea. I was encouraged by our togetherness.
"It was difficult without the ball. They were comfortable on the ball. They managed it well. We conceded a goal without conceding a lot of chances. We had the right reaction. "This wasn't like the beginning of the season when we conceded a goal. We came back in the game quickly. After, we finished the first half with a lot of chances to score.
"I was a little afraid because it was a good moment to score. In the second half we kept good organisation while perhaps a little tired. "We managed the game. We kept solidity and togetherness. We scored at the right moment when there was not a lot of time of left for a reaction. I'm happy for my players. It's amazing. We've beaten another top side.
"We've performed well against the top sides like Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United without getting results. It's encouraging to manage this game against a top team."
90min.com
MOTD host Gary Lineker MOCKED by guest Danny Murphy after Leicester vs Man City
MATCH OF THE DAY host Gary Lineker was mocked by Danny Murphy on the Boxing Day show after Leicester's shock win over Manchester City.
Lineker's old club came from behind to snatch a 2-1 win over the champions after Ricardo Pereira's late stunner.That was Manchester City's second loss in a row and they are now seven points behind leaders Liverpool.
The result left Lineker jubilant as he said: "It's been a marvellous few days for Leicester - winning away at Chelsea and then beating Manchester City, the champions. Extraordinary stuff." He then turned to former Liverpool man Murphy and said: "Man City were quite dominant early in the game but Leicester made a tactical change that you think turned things around?"
Murphy initially agreed but he couldn't resist having a dig at the host over how he celebrated the goal. "I do. Firstly, it's good to see you here after the acrobatics I saw when the Leicester winner went in earlier," he said. "It's good to see you well after that." Lineker looked taken back by the jibe and said: "There's no need to exaggerate." That had Murphy and his fellow pundit Phil Neville in stitches before he continued his analysis.
"Do you know what, there's been some disgruntlement at Leicester with supporters and some of the players even?" Murphy said. "But Claude Puel deserves great credit because he made a tactical change in the first half while they were level in the game that I thought changed the whole momentum of the game. "It gave Leicester the platform to win. They started 4-5-1, which is all well and good, but there was no pressure on the ball and City were completely dominant. "They went a goal up and you start thinking 'here we go again, another dominant City performance'.
"Leicester got back into the game at 1-1 as Maddison came in from his left wing where he was getting none of the ball and got in the No.10 position that he loves so well.
"Then they got a piece of paper from the manager and they chance to get Albrighton on the left, Maddison in the No.10 and Hamza Choudhury goes to the right and they play a 4-4-1-1. "All of a sudden confidence grew, they had men flying forward, Maddison started dictating the play and getting on the ball and in the holes with his ability to create.
"The tactical change really worked for Leicester and they had confidence to get players forward.
"Just when you think maybe they are running out of legs, probably the best player on the pitch Ricardo Pereira hit an absolute screamer.
"His performance was sensational and he deserved that goal more than anyone else on the pitch. Every Leicester player deserves real credit but Puel deserves some."
Daily Express
MATCH OF THE DAY host Gary Lineker was mocked by Danny Murphy on the Boxing Day show after Leicester's shock win over Manchester City.
Lineker's old club came from behind to snatch a 2-1 win over the champions after Ricardo Pereira's late stunner.That was Manchester City's second loss in a row and they are now seven points behind leaders Liverpool.
The result left Lineker jubilant as he said: "It's been a marvellous few days for Leicester - winning away at Chelsea and then beating Manchester City, the champions. Extraordinary stuff." He then turned to former Liverpool man Murphy and said: "Man City were quite dominant early in the game but Leicester made a tactical change that you think turned things around?"
Murphy initially agreed but he couldn't resist having a dig at the host over how he celebrated the goal. "I do. Firstly, it's good to see you here after the acrobatics I saw when the Leicester winner went in earlier," he said. "It's good to see you well after that." Lineker looked taken back by the jibe and said: "There's no need to exaggerate." That had Murphy and his fellow pundit Phil Neville in stitches before he continued his analysis.
"Do you know what, there's been some disgruntlement at Leicester with supporters and some of the players even?" Murphy said. "But Claude Puel deserves great credit because he made a tactical change in the first half while they were level in the game that I thought changed the whole momentum of the game. "It gave Leicester the platform to win. They started 4-5-1, which is all well and good, but there was no pressure on the ball and City were completely dominant. "They went a goal up and you start thinking 'here we go again, another dominant City performance'.
"Leicester got back into the game at 1-1 as Maddison came in from his left wing where he was getting none of the ball and got in the No.10 position that he loves so well.
"Then they got a piece of paper from the manager and they chance to get Albrighton on the left, Maddison in the No.10 and Hamza Choudhury goes to the right and they play a 4-4-1-1. "All of a sudden confidence grew, they had men flying forward, Maddison started dictating the play and getting on the ball and in the holes with his ability to create.
"The tactical change really worked for Leicester and they had confidence to get players forward.
"Just when you think maybe they are running out of legs, probably the best player on the pitch Ricardo Pereira hit an absolute screamer.
"His performance was sensational and he deserved that goal more than anyone else on the pitch. Every Leicester player deserves real credit but Puel deserves some."
Daily Express
Islam Slimani Reveals He Is Ready to Leave Leicester City After Loan Deal at Fenerbahçe Expires
Algerian forward Islam Slimani has revelaed that he is ready to leave Leicester City after spending two years at the club.
The 30-year-old is currently on loan at Turkish club Fenerbahçe, moving to Istanbul on a season-long loan from Leicester in August. He has played 46 times for the Foxes since joining from Sporting CP in 2016.Speaking in an interview with Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Slimani discussed his future including a possible return to Portugal once his current loan deal expires.
Asked about a return to Lisbon, Slimani said: “Back [to Sporting]? Yes, why not? But, in this moment, I have a contract with Fenerbahçe. I’m going to honour that commitment.” Slimani has made 20 appearances for Fenerbahçe this season, scoring four goals. However, the striker has scored just once in the league in September, and has now gone 11 league games without a goal.
One win in 12 games sees the Istanbul club sit 17th in the Super Lig, as they languish in the relegation zone a point off safety. This is a remarkable fall from grace, after finishing last season in second place behind Galatasaray. Slimani added: “We will see at the end of the season what might happen. Now, I’m focused on Fenerbahçe. We’ll see… Never say never in football – of course one day I hope to return to Sporting.”
The Algerian spent three years at Sporting, winning two major domestic honours in 2015. He left the following year to join then Premier League champions Leicester, signing for a club record fee of £28 million.
However he hasn’t played for Leicester in eight months, when he made a cameo in their 2-0 defeat to West Brom in April. He has been loaned out twice, having stints at Fenerbahçe and fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.
90min.com
Algerian forward Islam Slimani has revelaed that he is ready to leave Leicester City after spending two years at the club.
The 30-year-old is currently on loan at Turkish club Fenerbahçe, moving to Istanbul on a season-long loan from Leicester in August. He has played 46 times for the Foxes since joining from Sporting CP in 2016.Speaking in an interview with Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Slimani discussed his future including a possible return to Portugal once his current loan deal expires.
Asked about a return to Lisbon, Slimani said: “Back [to Sporting]? Yes, why not? But, in this moment, I have a contract with Fenerbahçe. I’m going to honour that commitment.” Slimani has made 20 appearances for Fenerbahçe this season, scoring four goals. However, the striker has scored just once in the league in September, and has now gone 11 league games without a goal.
One win in 12 games sees the Istanbul club sit 17th in the Super Lig, as they languish in the relegation zone a point off safety. This is a remarkable fall from grace, after finishing last season in second place behind Galatasaray. Slimani added: “We will see at the end of the season what might happen. Now, I’m focused on Fenerbahçe. We’ll see… Never say never in football – of course one day I hope to return to Sporting.”
The Algerian spent three years at Sporting, winning two major domestic honours in 2015. He left the following year to join then Premier League champions Leicester, signing for a club record fee of £28 million.
However he hasn’t played for Leicester in eight months, when he made a cameo in their 2-0 defeat to West Brom in April. He has been loaned out twice, having stints at Fenerbahçe and fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.
90min.com
Leicester 2-1 Manchester City
Ricardo Pereira scores stunning winner against champions
Manchester City fell seven points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race as Ricardo Pereira's late stunner gave Leicester a 2-1 victory at the King Power Stadium.
The Portuguese defender fired brilliantly into the far corner from 20 yards from a cleared corner, meaning City have picked up just three points from their last four games. They did take the lead through Bernardo Silva's seventh of the season after Sergio Aguero's deft pass (14), but Leicester levelled shortly after through Marc Albrighton's controlled header from Jamie Vardy's pinpoint delivery (19).
Then came Pereira's strike (81), before Fabian Delph was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Pereira (89), and with Liverpool beating Newcastle 4-0 and Tottenham defeating Bournemouth 5-0, the champions fell to third in the table. Leicester, meanwhile, are up to seventh. Pep Guardiola's side were looking to bounce back following a 3-2 defeat by Crystal Palace on Saturday, and seemed to revert to type as Silva put them ahead. Aymeric Laporte fizzed a ball into Aguero in a central position, and his threaded pass allowed Silva to tuck past Kasper Schmeichel from 10 yards.
But Leicester levelled just five minutes later with a fine move of their own as Vardy looked up on the left to curl a cross for Albrighton at the far post to head back where it came from and into the left corner.
There was a flurry of chances late in the half; Aguero hooked over from close range, Vardy saw a one-on-one effort blocked at his feet by Ederson after Danilo's wild backpass, before Hamza Choudhury's effort at the far post was just touched away to safety by the goalkeeper. Manchester City had 68 per cent of possession in the second half but failed to create many clear-cut chances, as the Leicester defence and Harry Maguire, in particular, held firm superbly.
That gave the hosts the platform to break, and after Leroy Sane had cleared Albrighton's corner, Pereira hit a fierce first-time effort into the left corner through a crowd of players and past Ederson's grasp for the winner.
Manchester City pushed for a leveller, but their task was made harder as Delph's torrid day was rounded off by a late red, winning the ball in a challenge with Pereira, but leaving his studs in the defender's ankle.
Sky Sports
Ricardo Pereira scores stunning winner against champions
Manchester City fell seven points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race as Ricardo Pereira's late stunner gave Leicester a 2-1 victory at the King Power Stadium.
The Portuguese defender fired brilliantly into the far corner from 20 yards from a cleared corner, meaning City have picked up just three points from their last four games. They did take the lead through Bernardo Silva's seventh of the season after Sergio Aguero's deft pass (14), but Leicester levelled shortly after through Marc Albrighton's controlled header from Jamie Vardy's pinpoint delivery (19).
Then came Pereira's strike (81), before Fabian Delph was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Pereira (89), and with Liverpool beating Newcastle 4-0 and Tottenham defeating Bournemouth 5-0, the champions fell to third in the table. Leicester, meanwhile, are up to seventh. Pep Guardiola's side were looking to bounce back following a 3-2 defeat by Crystal Palace on Saturday, and seemed to revert to type as Silva put them ahead. Aymeric Laporte fizzed a ball into Aguero in a central position, and his threaded pass allowed Silva to tuck past Kasper Schmeichel from 10 yards.
But Leicester levelled just five minutes later with a fine move of their own as Vardy looked up on the left to curl a cross for Albrighton at the far post to head back where it came from and into the left corner.
There was a flurry of chances late in the half; Aguero hooked over from close range, Vardy saw a one-on-one effort blocked at his feet by Ederson after Danilo's wild backpass, before Hamza Choudhury's effort at the far post was just touched away to safety by the goalkeeper. Manchester City had 68 per cent of possession in the second half but failed to create many clear-cut chances, as the Leicester defence and Harry Maguire, in particular, held firm superbly.
That gave the hosts the platform to break, and after Leroy Sane had cleared Albrighton's corner, Pereira hit a fierce first-time effort into the left corner through a crowd of players and past Ederson's grasp for the winner.
Manchester City pushed for a leveller, but their task was made harder as Delph's torrid day was rounded off by a late red, winning the ball in a challenge with Pereira, but leaving his studs in the defender's ankle.
Sky Sports
'I have nothing to justify'
Leicester manager Claude Puel insists he does not have to prove himself following shock victory away to Chelsea
Leicester boss Claude Puel insists he had nothing to prove to the club's fans or hierarchy after his side ended a poor league run by defeating Chelsea.
City had won only two of their previous 10 Premier League games and Puel had baffled many fans by choosing to rest a number of first-team players for Tuesday's Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City. Reports on Saturday even suggested that a poor run of results over the Christmasperiod could see the Frenchman lose his job, but victory at Stamford Bridge took Leicester up to ninth in the table.
'I have nothing to justify,' Puel said. 'I am the manager of my team and try always to do my best to get the right balance to protect some players, get the best out of other players, and put a team on the pitch with the ability to win the game. We lost on penalties against City, but we had a good feeling about our performance.'
There has also been speculation that Puel has a difficult relationship with forward Jamie Vardy, who admitted this week that the manager's style of play is not suited to his individual game. Asked if this victory showed that he still has the faith of the dressing room, Puel said: 'I have no comment about this. I made my work. It's not all the time easy. It's important to analyse the games and not just to look at the ranking in the table.
'If we analyse it since the beginning of the season, we've had fantastic games and performances sometimes without consistency, but always we kept the quality and a fantastic mentality.'
Daily Mail
Leicester manager Claude Puel insists he does not have to prove himself following shock victory away to Chelsea
Leicester boss Claude Puel insists he had nothing to prove to the club's fans or hierarchy after his side ended a poor league run by defeating Chelsea.
City had won only two of their previous 10 Premier League games and Puel had baffled many fans by choosing to rest a number of first-team players for Tuesday's Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City. Reports on Saturday even suggested that a poor run of results over the Christmasperiod could see the Frenchman lose his job, but victory at Stamford Bridge took Leicester up to ninth in the table.
'I have nothing to justify,' Puel said. 'I am the manager of my team and try always to do my best to get the right balance to protect some players, get the best out of other players, and put a team on the pitch with the ability to win the game. We lost on penalties against City, but we had a good feeling about our performance.'
There has also been speculation that Puel has a difficult relationship with forward Jamie Vardy, who admitted this week that the manager's style of play is not suited to his individual game. Asked if this victory showed that he still has the faith of the dressing room, Puel said: 'I have no comment about this. I made my work. It's not all the time easy. It's important to analyse the games and not just to look at the ranking in the table.
'If we analyse it since the beginning of the season, we've had fantastic games and performances sometimes without consistency, but always we kept the quality and a fantastic mentality.'
Daily Mail
Jamie Vardy wanted from Leicester in shock January deal
CHELSEA are keeping tabs on Leicester star Jamie Vardy ahead of a possible shock raid for the striker.
The Blues are keen to add to their attacking talent in January and are looking a deals for a host of players across Europe. AC Milan loan man Gonzalo Higuain is on their radar, along with Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson. And Vardy is also on the club’s shortlist.
The Telegraph report despite the west London club’s interest, they fear Leicester will price them out of a deal for the retired England international. Vardy was the subject of a £20m bid from Arsenal in 2016 after firing the Foxes to their shock Premier League title triumph.
But he turned down a move to the Emirates in favour of sticking around at the King Power Stadium. One thing that might stand in Chelsea’s favour is manager Leicester boss Claude Puel’s tactics not suiting Vardy’s game.
He has scored 20 goals in 14 months - five this season - under Puel but has struggled to fit in to a more patient build-up. "Does it (suit me)? No, but is that down to me to adapt to it? Yes," he said. "And obviously the only way I'm going to do that and keep progressing is working hard on the training field. "It does get a bit frustrating but we are transitioning into a different style of play.
"I think we've just got to keep working hard on it and eventually it will get us going forward that bit quicker because when we get into attacking positions eventually the ball will get picked out for some of my runs."
Daily Star / Telegraph
CHELSEA are keeping tabs on Leicester star Jamie Vardy ahead of a possible shock raid for the striker.
The Blues are keen to add to their attacking talent in January and are looking a deals for a host of players across Europe. AC Milan loan man Gonzalo Higuain is on their radar, along with Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson. And Vardy is also on the club’s shortlist.
The Telegraph report despite the west London club’s interest, they fear Leicester will price them out of a deal for the retired England international. Vardy was the subject of a £20m bid from Arsenal in 2016 after firing the Foxes to their shock Premier League title triumph.
But he turned down a move to the Emirates in favour of sticking around at the King Power Stadium. One thing that might stand in Chelsea’s favour is manager Leicester boss Claude Puel’s tactics not suiting Vardy’s game.
He has scored 20 goals in 14 months - five this season - under Puel but has struggled to fit in to a more patient build-up. "Does it (suit me)? No, but is that down to me to adapt to it? Yes," he said. "And obviously the only way I'm going to do that and keep progressing is working hard on the training field. "It does get a bit frustrating but we are transitioning into a different style of play.
"I think we've just got to keep working hard on it and eventually it will get us going forward that bit quicker because when we get into attacking positions eventually the ball will get picked out for some of my runs."
Daily Star / Telegraph
Chelsea 0-1 Leicester
Jamie Vardy's solitary strike seals shock win on the road for Foxes to ease the pressure off under-fire boss Claude Puel.
This was the day that confirmed what most at Chelsea may already have known. This season, Chelsea are not in a title race. They may possess the league's outstanding talent in Eden Hazard but they are not, yet, an outstanding team under Maurizio Sarri.
Chelsea began this match 11 points behind Liverpool and that is the deficit that stands at Christmas. In truth, a side that fell so far under Antonio Conte last season were always unlikely to reclaim the Premier League title but it is still striking to see Chelsea's ambitions reset to a battle for Champions League football before the turn of the year. This was a match to perfectly demonstrate Chelsea's enduring flaws. They lack an outstanding centre-half, as underlined by how Jamie Vardy broke free of Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz to score the Leicester winner, and Sarri requires a world-class frontman to liberate Hazard and take games away from middle-tier opposition.
The Leicester City goal was, it should be a said, a sheer delight. Pedro lost possession carelessly on the left-flank and Ricardo Pereira jinked onwards, sidestepping two home players and finding James Maddison in space. Maddison took a touch and slid a perfect reverse pass into Vardy, who took the ball on the run first-time and drove it past a static Kepa Arrizabalaga. In truth, Leicester's lead might have been more handsome. The goal, struck on 51 minutes, destabilised Chelsea. Sarri's side lost all manner of composure, conceding the ball repeatedly inside their own half. Their play was pockmarked by anxiety and all fluency evaporated. On the sidelines, Sarri grew irritated.
On the hour mark, he hooked Willian and Matteo Kovacic, introducing Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Olivier Giroud, but the changes only served to unsettle the home side more. When Loftus-Cheek gave away the ball and Cesc Fabregas took a booking, Sarri unzipped his jacket and threw it into the dugout. Leicester chances came and went. Vardy might have scored a second. Mark Albrighton's low cross skidded across the surface and Kepa spilled the ball in his attempt to parry. Vardy attempted an impudent back-flick and the goalkeeper was spared by an excellent block by Cesar Azpilicueta.
Kepa then intervened as Wilfried Ndidi ran through on goal and the Spaniard made another fine stop to deny Albrighton's low strike from distance. For Leicester, it was a dominant and impressive away performance. They defended superbly, marshalled by the commanding Harry Maguire, while the midfield three of Ndidi, Hamza Choudhury and Nampalys Mendy shielded the backline with intelligence. And how Claude Puel needed this.
Ahead of this match, Puel's Leicester reign appeared to be teetering on the brink.
The morning newspapers spoke of training ground discord and a man isolating himself from the dressing room. For much of the first-half, Puel's body language was that of a manager under strain. On several occasions, he spun on his feels and vented his frustration towards his assistants on the substitute's bench. His side had won only two of their previous 10 Premier League games and he had baffled sections of the support by choosing to rest a number of first-team players for the Carabao Cup exit against Manchester City on Tuesday evening.
Recently, his relationship with striker Jamie Vardy also appeared fragile. Vardy said this week that Puel's more patient style of play is not suited to his game. He did, however, pledge to adapt. This, therefore, represented a major forwards step. The signs of a surprise were there in the first-half, if only in sporadic bursts. Ben Chilwell, one of the most menacing full-backs in the Premier League these days, embarked on a forwards gallop, sliding into the excellent Maddison, who back-heeled a return into space.
Chilwell is an enthralling sight when he sprints over short distances and he blitzed onto the ball and strode into the penalty area, where he was narrowly crowded out. During a timid first period, neither side recorded a shot on target in the first half-hour. Chelsea operated with Eden Hazard as the lone frontman but the Belgian was well-shackled for much of the opening period. He broke free only once, rolling Harry Maguire at the edge of the penalty area, jinking free and blasting a strike that rebounded off the crossbar.
Chelsea had previously come within a whisker of the breakthrough when David Luiz launched himself towards a Pedro flick-on but the ball narrowly evaded the Brazilian at a set-piece. Leicester's menace was always there. Five minutes before the interval, Ndidi controlled the ball 30 yards out and dispatched a piercing strike towards the top corner and Kepa leapt acrobatically to palm the ball over the bar. It was a magnificent save from one a young goalkeeper who has settled so well into the Premier League.
At the other end, Leicester have a superb goalkeeper of their own. After Kepa's save, N'Golo Kante went on the rampage, leading a counter-attack and teeing up Willian, who was denied by Schmeichel. After Leicester took the lead, Schmeichel remained stubborn. Hazard sprang behind the Leicester strike, powering a strike at lightning speed towards the near post but Schmeichel stuck out a palm and it deflected up and over the goal.
In the closing moments, Chelsea's threat re-emerged. Rudiger glanced wide from a corner and Alonso sprinted into the penalty area, sliding his finish under Schmeichel but against the inside of the post. The ball rolled sideways back across the goal but agonisingly away from the goal. For Chelsea, it was that kind of afternoon.
Daily Mail
Jamie Vardy's solitary strike seals shock win on the road for Foxes to ease the pressure off under-fire boss Claude Puel.
This was the day that confirmed what most at Chelsea may already have known. This season, Chelsea are not in a title race. They may possess the league's outstanding talent in Eden Hazard but they are not, yet, an outstanding team under Maurizio Sarri.
Chelsea began this match 11 points behind Liverpool and that is the deficit that stands at Christmas. In truth, a side that fell so far under Antonio Conte last season were always unlikely to reclaim the Premier League title but it is still striking to see Chelsea's ambitions reset to a battle for Champions League football before the turn of the year. This was a match to perfectly demonstrate Chelsea's enduring flaws. They lack an outstanding centre-half, as underlined by how Jamie Vardy broke free of Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz to score the Leicester winner, and Sarri requires a world-class frontman to liberate Hazard and take games away from middle-tier opposition.
The Leicester City goal was, it should be a said, a sheer delight. Pedro lost possession carelessly on the left-flank and Ricardo Pereira jinked onwards, sidestepping two home players and finding James Maddison in space. Maddison took a touch and slid a perfect reverse pass into Vardy, who took the ball on the run first-time and drove it past a static Kepa Arrizabalaga. In truth, Leicester's lead might have been more handsome. The goal, struck on 51 minutes, destabilised Chelsea. Sarri's side lost all manner of composure, conceding the ball repeatedly inside their own half. Their play was pockmarked by anxiety and all fluency evaporated. On the sidelines, Sarri grew irritated.
On the hour mark, he hooked Willian and Matteo Kovacic, introducing Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Olivier Giroud, but the changes only served to unsettle the home side more. When Loftus-Cheek gave away the ball and Cesc Fabregas took a booking, Sarri unzipped his jacket and threw it into the dugout. Leicester chances came and went. Vardy might have scored a second. Mark Albrighton's low cross skidded across the surface and Kepa spilled the ball in his attempt to parry. Vardy attempted an impudent back-flick and the goalkeeper was spared by an excellent block by Cesar Azpilicueta.
Kepa then intervened as Wilfried Ndidi ran through on goal and the Spaniard made another fine stop to deny Albrighton's low strike from distance. For Leicester, it was a dominant and impressive away performance. They defended superbly, marshalled by the commanding Harry Maguire, while the midfield three of Ndidi, Hamza Choudhury and Nampalys Mendy shielded the backline with intelligence. And how Claude Puel needed this.
Ahead of this match, Puel's Leicester reign appeared to be teetering on the brink.
The morning newspapers spoke of training ground discord and a man isolating himself from the dressing room. For much of the first-half, Puel's body language was that of a manager under strain. On several occasions, he spun on his feels and vented his frustration towards his assistants on the substitute's bench. His side had won only two of their previous 10 Premier League games and he had baffled sections of the support by choosing to rest a number of first-team players for the Carabao Cup exit against Manchester City on Tuesday evening.
Recently, his relationship with striker Jamie Vardy also appeared fragile. Vardy said this week that Puel's more patient style of play is not suited to his game. He did, however, pledge to adapt. This, therefore, represented a major forwards step. The signs of a surprise were there in the first-half, if only in sporadic bursts. Ben Chilwell, one of the most menacing full-backs in the Premier League these days, embarked on a forwards gallop, sliding into the excellent Maddison, who back-heeled a return into space.
Chilwell is an enthralling sight when he sprints over short distances and he blitzed onto the ball and strode into the penalty area, where he was narrowly crowded out. During a timid first period, neither side recorded a shot on target in the first half-hour. Chelsea operated with Eden Hazard as the lone frontman but the Belgian was well-shackled for much of the opening period. He broke free only once, rolling Harry Maguire at the edge of the penalty area, jinking free and blasting a strike that rebounded off the crossbar.
Chelsea had previously come within a whisker of the breakthrough when David Luiz launched himself towards a Pedro flick-on but the ball narrowly evaded the Brazilian at a set-piece. Leicester's menace was always there. Five minutes before the interval, Ndidi controlled the ball 30 yards out and dispatched a piercing strike towards the top corner and Kepa leapt acrobatically to palm the ball over the bar. It was a magnificent save from one a young goalkeeper who has settled so well into the Premier League.
At the other end, Leicester have a superb goalkeeper of their own. After Kepa's save, N'Golo Kante went on the rampage, leading a counter-attack and teeing up Willian, who was denied by Schmeichel. After Leicester took the lead, Schmeichel remained stubborn. Hazard sprang behind the Leicester strike, powering a strike at lightning speed towards the near post but Schmeichel stuck out a palm and it deflected up and over the goal.
In the closing moments, Chelsea's threat re-emerged. Rudiger glanced wide from a corner and Alonso sprinted into the penalty area, sliding his finish under Schmeichel but against the inside of the post. The ball rolled sideways back across the goal but agonisingly away from the goal. For Chelsea, it was that kind of afternoon.
Daily Mail
CLAUDE'S AXE TALKS
Leicester boss Claude Puel facing the sack after crisis meeting with chiefs
CLAUDE PUEL is clinging to his job after showdown talks with Leicester chiefs. The French coach was hauled in for a crisis meeting following their dismal 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Foxes fans were unhappy star midfielder James Maddison was subbed last Saturday. While hitman Jamie Vardy was rested as they were beaten on penalties by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday night. Puel has been ordered to improve results quickly or face the chop. The Foxes travel to Chelsea today before facing City at home again, in a tough Christmas period.
After a promising start to the season, the ex-Southampton boss is struggling to put together a solid run of victories. Puel did a decent job last season, but Leicester are making huge demands on him following a poor run of form.
Leicester are 12th in the table, but they have only won two out of their last eight games in all competitions, one of which came against Saints — on penalties — in the Carabao Cup. While Vardy, last season’s top scorer with 20, has only five goals this term.
The Sun
Leicester boss Claude Puel facing the sack after crisis meeting with chiefs
CLAUDE PUEL is clinging to his job after showdown talks with Leicester chiefs. The French coach was hauled in for a crisis meeting following their dismal 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Foxes fans were unhappy star midfielder James Maddison was subbed last Saturday. While hitman Jamie Vardy was rested as they were beaten on penalties by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday night. Puel has been ordered to improve results quickly or face the chop. The Foxes travel to Chelsea today before facing City at home again, in a tough Christmas period.
After a promising start to the season, the ex-Southampton boss is struggling to put together a solid run of victories. Puel did a decent job last season, but Leicester are making huge demands on him following a poor run of form.
Leicester are 12th in the table, but they have only won two out of their last eight games in all competitions, one of which came against Saints — on penalties — in the Carabao Cup. While Vardy, last season’s top scorer with 20, has only five goals this term.
The Sun
Leicester boss Claude Puel has ‘lost everyone’ in the dressing room and is facing the sack
Claude Puel is facing a battle against the sack, with Leicester’s Christmas schedule the potential final stage of his tenure. Leicester play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, before hosting Manchester City on Boxing Day and Cardiff on December 29.
The team’s displays in those games is expected to determine the decision over his future. Losing to Neil Warnock’s side would be viewed as unpalatable. The Leicester manager fought back from the brink of dismissal at the end of last season by beating Arsenal but the deep problems of his reign have persisted.
One source told Sportsmail Puel’s relationship with his players and staff has deteriorated to an all-time low. There are also issues over selections, style, and communication. There are allegations he has ‘lost everyone’.
Sportsmail understands a high-profile manager is even being targeted as a possible successor. Brendan Rodgers has previously been discussed and is set to leave Celtic next summer. Rafa Benitez is another potential candidate but his circumstances at Newcastle have settled.
Vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, known as Top, will make the call on Puel after assuming full responsibility following his father Vichai’s death in October. Deliberations over the Frenchman have been ongoing since the start of the campaign but were set well aside after the helicopter tragedy. Puel conducted himself with great dignity in an incredibly difficult period and everyone at the club is still trying to come to terms with the loss of Vichai. But there is also concern at the continuing tensions at Belvoir Drive and an awareness among the hierarchy the situation is critical.
Multiple sources have told Sportsmail that Puel cuts an isolated figure, declining to act on the advice of colleagues regarding training performances or fitness issues, and causing widespread disillusionment in a repeat of his Southampton reign. His treatment of Adrien Silva and Andy King has caused confusion. Silva, the £22million Portugal midfielder, is a consistently high performer in training yet has been frozen out. King, the club legend, was not named in the Premier League squad. Neither made the 18 for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester City.
Puel antagonised some fans by picking a weakened side despite being three matches from Wembley. James Maddison and Marc Albrighton started on the bench, while Jamie Vardy was left out entirely. Puel had played Vardy for 90 minutes at Crystal Palace three days earlier despite medical advice suggesting an hour, given the striker was returning from a groin injury.
Supporters have also been frustrated with style of play, as Puel advocates a slower build-up of attack. Vardy, who is expected to start at Stamford Bridge, told Sky Sports News on Friday that approach did not suit his game. ‘Does it? No. But is that down to me to adapt to it? Yes,’ he said. ‘And obviously the only way I’m going to do that and keep progressing is working hard on the training field.’ Vardy thrives on quick balls but has found himself making runs without success. ‘It does get a bit frustrating but we are transitioning into a different style of play,’ he added.
Results would cover gripes, but these have declined badly. It is two victories in 10 matches and after a positive start to his time Puel’s last 38 Premier League games read 11 win, 10 losses and 17 defeats, equating to a points total of 43 across the course of a campaign. For a club of Leicester’s aspirations, it is a tally to alarm.
Daily Mail
Claude Puel is facing a battle against the sack, with Leicester’s Christmas schedule the potential final stage of his tenure. Leicester play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, before hosting Manchester City on Boxing Day and Cardiff on December 29.
The team’s displays in those games is expected to determine the decision over his future. Losing to Neil Warnock’s side would be viewed as unpalatable. The Leicester manager fought back from the brink of dismissal at the end of last season by beating Arsenal but the deep problems of his reign have persisted.
One source told Sportsmail Puel’s relationship with his players and staff has deteriorated to an all-time low. There are also issues over selections, style, and communication. There are allegations he has ‘lost everyone’.
Sportsmail understands a high-profile manager is even being targeted as a possible successor. Brendan Rodgers has previously been discussed and is set to leave Celtic next summer. Rafa Benitez is another potential candidate but his circumstances at Newcastle have settled.
Vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, known as Top, will make the call on Puel after assuming full responsibility following his father Vichai’s death in October. Deliberations over the Frenchman have been ongoing since the start of the campaign but were set well aside after the helicopter tragedy. Puel conducted himself with great dignity in an incredibly difficult period and everyone at the club is still trying to come to terms with the loss of Vichai. But there is also concern at the continuing tensions at Belvoir Drive and an awareness among the hierarchy the situation is critical.
Multiple sources have told Sportsmail that Puel cuts an isolated figure, declining to act on the advice of colleagues regarding training performances or fitness issues, and causing widespread disillusionment in a repeat of his Southampton reign. His treatment of Adrien Silva and Andy King has caused confusion. Silva, the £22million Portugal midfielder, is a consistently high performer in training yet has been frozen out. King, the club legend, was not named in the Premier League squad. Neither made the 18 for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester City.
Puel antagonised some fans by picking a weakened side despite being three matches from Wembley. James Maddison and Marc Albrighton started on the bench, while Jamie Vardy was left out entirely. Puel had played Vardy for 90 minutes at Crystal Palace three days earlier despite medical advice suggesting an hour, given the striker was returning from a groin injury.
Supporters have also been frustrated with style of play, as Puel advocates a slower build-up of attack. Vardy, who is expected to start at Stamford Bridge, told Sky Sports News on Friday that approach did not suit his game. ‘Does it? No. But is that down to me to adapt to it? Yes,’ he said. ‘And obviously the only way I’m going to do that and keep progressing is working hard on the training field.’ Vardy thrives on quick balls but has found himself making runs without success. ‘It does get a bit frustrating but we are transitioning into a different style of play,’ he added.
Results would cover gripes, but these have declined badly. It is two victories in 10 matches and after a positive start to his time Puel’s last 38 Premier League games read 11 win, 10 losses and 17 defeats, equating to a points total of 43 across the course of a campaign. For a club of Leicester’s aspirations, it is a tally to alarm.
Daily Mail
Leicester striker Jamie Vardy says he is trying to adapt to Claude Puel's methods
Jamie Vardy admits Leicester’s style of play under Claude Puel does not suit him but the forward has vowed to do what he can to adapt to the Frenchman’s methods.
Vardy has scored 20 Premier League goals since Puel replaced Craig Shakespeare as Foxes boss in October last year but the forward has often looked isolated in games.The ex-England striker netted 24 goals to help fire Leicester to the Premier League title in 2016, with the Foxes playing a more incisive and direct brand of football under former boss Claudio Ranieri.
Asked if Puel's possession-based philosophy suits him, Vardy told Sky Sports News: "Does it? No, but is that down to me to adapt to it? Yes. "And obviously the only way I'm going to do that and keep progressing is working hard on the training field.
"It does get a bit frustrating but we are transitioning into a different style of play. I think we've just got to keep working hard on it and eventually it will get us going forward that bit quicker because when we get into attacking positions eventually the ball will get picked out for some of my runs." Vardy is expected to be restored to Leicester's starting line-up for the trip to Chelsea on Saturday after missing the midweek Carabao Cup loss to Manchester City as a precaution following the recurrence of a groin injury.
The 31-year-old confirmed he will not require surgery to cure the problem but admits playing a number of games in a short space of time is not really an option for him right now. "It's just about managing it [the groin problem]," he said. "Obviously I want to play as many games as possible, but playing the 90 minutes on Saturday there was no way it was going to get risked again [against City] on Tuesday with the chance of it putting me out long-term.
"I won't need an operation but it is just about managing it, which is what we've done after playing last Saturday with a full week until my next game. It's been managed in the right way and we've got a great physio department and support staff in the background. "It is frustrating but we pick up niggles all the time and if it's best for me to miss a game to make sure I am not out long-term, then that is what we have to do."
Sky Sports
Jamie Vardy admits Leicester’s style of play under Claude Puel does not suit him but the forward has vowed to do what he can to adapt to the Frenchman’s methods.
Vardy has scored 20 Premier League goals since Puel replaced Craig Shakespeare as Foxes boss in October last year but the forward has often looked isolated in games.The ex-England striker netted 24 goals to help fire Leicester to the Premier League title in 2016, with the Foxes playing a more incisive and direct brand of football under former boss Claudio Ranieri.
Asked if Puel's possession-based philosophy suits him, Vardy told Sky Sports News: "Does it? No, but is that down to me to adapt to it? Yes. "And obviously the only way I'm going to do that and keep progressing is working hard on the training field.
"It does get a bit frustrating but we are transitioning into a different style of play. I think we've just got to keep working hard on it and eventually it will get us going forward that bit quicker because when we get into attacking positions eventually the ball will get picked out for some of my runs." Vardy is expected to be restored to Leicester's starting line-up for the trip to Chelsea on Saturday after missing the midweek Carabao Cup loss to Manchester City as a precaution following the recurrence of a groin injury.
The 31-year-old confirmed he will not require surgery to cure the problem but admits playing a number of games in a short space of time is not really an option for him right now. "It's just about managing it [the groin problem]," he said. "Obviously I want to play as many games as possible, but playing the 90 minutes on Saturday there was no way it was going to get risked again [against City] on Tuesday with the chance of it putting me out long-term.
"I won't need an operation but it is just about managing it, which is what we've done after playing last Saturday with a full week until my next game. It's been managed in the right way and we've got a great physio department and support staff in the background. "It is frustrating but we pick up niggles all the time and if it's best for me to miss a game to make sure I am not out long-term, then that is what we have to do."
Sky Sports
Leicester City Defender Daniel Amartey Pens New Deal
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm that defender Daniel Amartey has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract to keep him at King Power Stadium until 2022.
The 23-year-old Ghana international has been a regular for Claude Puel’s side this season, making 10 appearances and impressing at right-back in his fourth campaign as a Leicester City player.
Currently recovering from an ankle injury picked up in October’s game against West Ham United, Amartey’s technical qualities and versatility have proven to be a valuable asset for the Foxes. He has featured at right-back, in central midfield and in central defence since his arrival from FC Copenhagen in January 2016.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Amartey said: “I am very happy to sign this contract at Leicester City. I am a simple and easy guy. I work hard and I focus. By God’s grace, my recovery is getting better and I have to be strong when I come back. I have to be ready, for the Club and for the manager.”
Amartey made his debut for Leicester City in a 1-0 win over Norwich City at King Power Stadium in February 2016 and has gone on to play a further 63 times. That includes five appearances in the title-winning season of 2015/16, when he also picked up a medal from FC Copenhagen for his contribution to their title win in the first half of the campaign.
The powerful defender, who joined Swedish side Djurgårdens IF at the age of 18, made his name as a promising talent in Danish football after signing for FC Copenhagen in July 2014. He played a key role as Copenhagen finished second in the Superliga to qualify for the UEFA Europa League during his first season with the club and helped guide them to the top of the table before joining the Foxes.
Daniel would return to Copenhagen as a Leicester City player in the Club’s 2016/17 UEFA Champions League campaign. He started in the 0-0 draw in Denmark which saw the Foxes clinch a spot in the knockout rounds of the competition for the first time.
He scored his first Leicester City goal on 17 December, 2016 as his late header earned the Foxes a vital point in a 2-2 draw away at Stoke, having gone down to 10 men and conceding two goals in the first half.
At international level, he made his debut for Ghana against Senegal in 2015 and has gone on to make a total of 22 appearances for his country – including helping Ghana to the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
LCFC.Com
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm that defender Daniel Amartey has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract to keep him at King Power Stadium until 2022.
The 23-year-old Ghana international has been a regular for Claude Puel’s side this season, making 10 appearances and impressing at right-back in his fourth campaign as a Leicester City player.
Currently recovering from an ankle injury picked up in October’s game against West Ham United, Amartey’s technical qualities and versatility have proven to be a valuable asset for the Foxes. He has featured at right-back, in central midfield and in central defence since his arrival from FC Copenhagen in January 2016.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Amartey said: “I am very happy to sign this contract at Leicester City. I am a simple and easy guy. I work hard and I focus. By God’s grace, my recovery is getting better and I have to be strong when I come back. I have to be ready, for the Club and for the manager.”
Amartey made his debut for Leicester City in a 1-0 win over Norwich City at King Power Stadium in February 2016 and has gone on to play a further 63 times. That includes five appearances in the title-winning season of 2015/16, when he also picked up a medal from FC Copenhagen for his contribution to their title win in the first half of the campaign.
The powerful defender, who joined Swedish side Djurgårdens IF at the age of 18, made his name as a promising talent in Danish football after signing for FC Copenhagen in July 2014. He played a key role as Copenhagen finished second in the Superliga to qualify for the UEFA Europa League during his first season with the club and helped guide them to the top of the table before joining the Foxes.
Daniel would return to Copenhagen as a Leicester City player in the Club’s 2016/17 UEFA Champions League campaign. He started in the 0-0 draw in Denmark which saw the Foxes clinch a spot in the knockout rounds of the competition for the first time.
He scored his first Leicester City goal on 17 December, 2016 as his late header earned the Foxes a vital point in a 2-2 draw away at Stoke, having gone down to 10 men and conceding two goals in the first half.
At international level, he made his debut for Ghana against Senegal in 2015 and has gone on to make a total of 22 appearances for his country – including helping Ghana to the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
LCFC.Com
