I can’t promise another miracle
RODGERS: MY HONEST VIEW IS WE CAN’T COMPETE FOR THE TITLE YET.. OTHERS ARE A LEVEL ABOVE US
BRENDAN RODGERS has insisted Leicester still cannot compete for the Premier League title despite starting the New Year in third place.
The Foxes were also third before lockdown in March – with an eight- point advantage over Manchester United – before sliding down to fifth.
Leicester, the surprise Premier League champions in 2016 (right), started the year behind only Liverpool and the Old Trafford club after just one defeat in seven.
But before tomorrow’s trip to Newcastle, Rodgers said: “Our targets won’t change. Our thinking is that if we can have European football again next season, that would be a great success for us.
“The teams above are fantastic teams full of experienced players and have been building for a number of years. We are not at that level. That is my honest assessment of it. But we are building to be as competitive as we possibly can be without the finances that allows those teams to get to that level. So we will continue on that journey. Our ambition is there, the spirit is there. There is a continual development.
“For us to be in that position another year down the line shows that consistency is starting to improve. That is something that pleases me.
“But of course my ambition is always to be the very best that we can be.”
Rodgers made seven changes for Monday’s 1- 1 draw at Crystal Palace but will look to recall Jamie Vardy, midfielder James Maddison, and defender Wesley Fofana for the trip to St James’ Park.
Steve Bruce’s side gave a gritty performance to hold Liverpool in midweek and ease the pressure that has been building on him on Tyneside. But Rodgers claimed the former Manchester United captain would play more expansive football if he had the resources.
“He has looked to organise them in a way that doesn’t expose them,” said the Leicester boss.
“Even when Rafa (Benitez) was there, any time they did that then they conceded goals. There is a huge expectation at Newcastle. It is a huge club and another one of those clubs where you have to win and win in a certain way.
“That is what is important in terms of their expectation. But I think how Steve has managed it is as good as it has been in the last few years at this stage.
“This is a guy who has played in teams that have played good football so he will always want to go down that route.
“But he also knows that winning is important, that staying in the league is important.
“The longer he is there, I am sure he will gradually build the team and get the types of players in that he would like to.”