Brendan Rodgers has quietened speak of his aspect taking part in Champions League soccer subsequent season after Leicester’s sensible kind continued with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.
James Maddison and Harvey Barnes’ strikes within the first half lifted the Foxes as much as second within the Premier League, forward of Manchester United’s conflict with Newcastle later within the day.
AFP
Bertrand Traore pulled a aim again to make sure Leicester needed to work for the factors after outclassing Villa earlier than the break.
The victory means the Foxes have misplaced simply as soon as of their final 12 league video games and sit three factors above United forward of their conflict with towards the Magpies at Outdated Trafford.
Nonetheless, Rodgers performed down his aspect’s possibilities of returning to Europe’s premier competitors because of the quantity of matches left to play this time period.
“My ambition was to get European soccer for the membership and see if we may disrupt the market,” he mentioned.
“Everybody is aware of what Champions League soccer brings to a membership – but additionally a metropolis – however I are inclined to not give it some thought a lot. Particularly after we are thus far out.
Getty Photos
“It was an excellent group efficiency within the first half. Our soccer was distinctive and we scored two excellent objectives.
“After midweek journey and a European sport, the gamers actually have to point out their spirit and high quality. I used to be so happy and really pleased with the group.”
Victory was tempered after Maddison was pressured off with a hip downside within the second half.
“He had this difficulty final season and felt it within the sport and we needed to take him off as a precaution,” added Rodgers, with the midfielder now a doubt for Thursday’s Europa League last-32 second-leg conflict with Slavia Prague.
