We won’t allow Riyad issue to Mahr our game
PUEL: FOXES WILL STAY FOCUSED
CLAUDE PUEL has warned that Leicester must not lose their heads tonight seeking revenge for Manchester City’s botched pursuit of Riyad Mahrez.
The Algerian finally returned to training yesterday after a 10-day absence and travelled with the Foxes squad to Manchester.
Leicester are still picking up the pieces of his furious reaction to being denied a transfer, Pep Guardiola’s attempts ending after four rejected bids and a demand for £80million cash.
But Puel insists that should not give his men extra motivation in their clash with the league leaders.
“We need to manage this calmly,” said the Frenchman. “There’s no revenge about Manchester City or the club.
“We’re professionals without feelings like that. I think it’s important always to keep a clear and good focus on our play, not have bad feelings about revenge or other things.”
Mahrez went AWOL when the move fell through, leaving his team in the lurch 24 hours before a game at Everton, where he was supposed to play and take set pieces. Leicester lost 2-0.
They have taken only one point from two Premier League matches without the winger, having drawn with Swansea. Their average goals a game this season drops from 1.5 with him to 1 without him. And since August 2015, the year they claimed the title, Leicester’s win percentage is 44.3% with him and 20% when he does not play. Puel says his men must show the type of collective team spirit which served them so well in their title triumph two seasons ago. He added: “We’ve played other games in the cup without Riyad and we lost other games with him also. My focus and concentration is about the team in training sessions and seeing their strengths and good response. “They’re working hard and showing quality. There’s a good feeling and it is important to put this on the pitch. “Other players with different qualities can play now and it’s a good opportunity and challenge for others to take the place. “We continue to improve together. “I like this squad who have had success in the past with a fantastic, positive attitude and strength together. “I think it is the best quality. The first thing is the spirit of the team and we can play against Manchester City or other good teams with fantastic positive play and can make a difference. “I hope we will see this on Saturday.”