Rodgers: Leicester can reach Champions League

Brendan Rodgers has backed Leicester to qualify for the Champions League despite a late-season wobble in the Premier League.

Leicester are third in the Premier League table after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace ended their fourmatch winless streak in all competitions since the coronavirus hiatus.

Rodgers believes his team can finish in the top four again despite a tight race and return to Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since 2016/17.

“There’s no doubt, we have shown over 33 games our talent. OK, we’re maybe missing some players but as a squad we’re very focused on achieving it and we’ll fight to the final whistle,” Rodgers said.

“What the players have done has been remarkable. I’m pretty clear on that and getting the perspective of it all.

“If you think of the two teams in front of us (Liverpool and Manchester City), two of the greatest teams the Premier League has produced, for us to be second in the league from a defensive perspective and third-highest goalscorers means the players have been brilliant.

“The league is so competitive, not just the so-called top clubs, for us to be amongst it shows the level of performance.”

Meanwhile, Rodgers says Jamie Vardy’s decision to stay at the club has cemented his legacy at the King Power Stadium after the striker joined the Premier League’s “100 club”.

Vardy, 33, scored his 100th Premier League goal against Palace.

The striker turned down the chance to join Arsenal in 2016, just weeks after spearheading the Foxes’ Premier League title success.

“I think as things stand he’s a legend here now for the rest of his time at the club – it’s just what he adds to that status over the rest of his career.

“It’s hard to knock players if they do want to move on because their careers are so short but he’s obviously felt really comfortable.

“He’s found a real home here. He is adored by the supporters and they absolutely love him.”