“If you think every time you have to do something special, it’s not possible”.
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“I’m used to this because always, in my career, when something happens it’s finished”.
“There is no reason why we can’t win this competition”, he added. They won five of six unbeaten matches against bottom-six clubs last term, with the margin of victory just one goal on four occasions.
“Of course, Burnley want to increase the tempo because they might think we’re exhausted, but I don’t believe it”.
Led by the Algerian Riyad Mahrez’s brace, Leicester dominated for a majority of the match. It felt like a return to the verve and vigour of last season and any fears over damage from Saturday’s 4-1 humbling at Liverpool, their heaviest defeat in over 12 months, were dispelled with a clinical team performance that embarrassed their hosts.
“It was an important win for us”, said Ranieri.
“For us everything is new, I want to see how my players respond”, the Italian told a news conference on Friday.
“There are a few rules which have been around and Friday it comes to fines, but I don’t know what they are yet”, said Burnley’s £10.5million man.
“This has gone now”, said Albrighton of the victory in Belgium.
“Burnley are very strong and very solid”.
“The players are ready and they have recovered well”.
The only sour note for Leicester was a booking for 29-million pound record signing Islam Slimani for a push on Bjorn Engels, which led to the defender falling awkwardly and injuring his shoulder.
“The problem is if someone is thinking of the [Champions League] music, then I ring my bell”.
Vardy showed off his lightning pace against the Belgians in a classic Leicester counter-attack, racing through on goal only to be brought down by Butelle in the penalty area, with the keeper beaten by Mahrez as he slammed home the third goal from the spot.
The Clarets will be aided in their attempt to win by the likely absence of Danny Simpson, Jeffrey Sclupp and Nampalys Mendy from the Leicester squad. Testing times lie ahead for Michel Preud’homme, who needs to restore his team’s mental resolve.
Leicester may have had a poor start to their domestic title defence but Club Brugge have also been struggling for form and there was a yawning gulf in class between the sides. Shinji Okazaki didn’t dress for Leicester’s midweek Champions League clash despite being fit, so there’s a good chance the Japanese global starts fresh in Claudio Ranieri’s starting XI against Burnley.
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I am happy because we have to suffer, but we never gave up.
