Happy Tielemans says the club is set up perfectly to win silverware
‘THIS IS A CLUB WHERE YOU HAVE THE BEST ENVIRONMENT YOU CAN HAVE, SPECIALLY WITH THIS NEW TRAINING GROUND. THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU JUST WANT THE BEST FOR YOU’
YOURI Tielemans believes he can fulfil his ambitions at Leicester City, saying the club is perfectly set up to win trophies.
Tielemans has become one of the most influential players in the City squad, playing more minutes than any other member of the team this season, with his form starting to catch the attention of a wider audience.
But in a bid to put off any potential suitors, City manager Brendan Rodgers said at the start of the month that the club intended to offer Tielemans a new contract.
It seems the Belgian would be happy to extend his stay at the King Power Stadium, as the 23-year-old believes City are on course to start winning silverware regularly.
Asked if he can achieve his career ambitions at City ahead of tonight’s clash with Slavia Prague, Tielemans replied: “Yes, why not? This is a club where you have the best environment you can have, especially with this new training ground. The people around you just want the best for you.
“It’s brilliant to be here. I really like it here. We’ll see what’s coming in the future.
“But I think the environment is just perfect to win trophies here.
“You can’t predict the future but I think everything around the club and inside the club is made for it.”
Tielemans has played 34 games for City this season, missing just two fixtures in all competitions.
His rise in importance to Rodgers was shown last month when he captained the team for the first time in the FA Cup victory at Brentford.
So it was not a surprise that the City boss was pleased to hear what the Belgian had to say.
When Tielemans’ quotes were put to Rodgers, he said: “For any player, the level of ambition and environment is key, especially for someone like Youri, who is a top player, even though he is so young.
“I think any player wants to be in a place they can learn and develop.
“They have seen how the club has been developing in terms of the training facility and the team.
“It’s great to hear that from any player, but particularly a player like Youri, who is a big talent.”
Speaking earlier this month, Rodgers also outlined why he wanted Tielemans to sign a new deal.
“He’s been able to come in and over the past couple of seasons he’s shown the qualities and the improvements he’s been able to make,” the City boss said.
“He’s a really, really important player.
“He’s a joy to work with, he has incredible maturity for a young guy, and you can see the consistency in his performances.
“He’s got a couple of years left (on his contract) in the summer, and I know it’s something the club will speak to him and his representatives about.
“With the ball, he has quality. His decision-making is so good, whether to play it first time, or whether to dribble with it into space.
“But also his communication, you have heard him talking throughout. His game management is so good.
“He’s been outstanding for us all year.
“At 23 years of age, to play with that level of understanding of the game and quality, I’m very happy he’s in my team.”
Tielemans joined City from Monaco in a club-record £32 million transfer in the summer of 2019. His current deal runs until 2023.