Clean sheets are not the most important thing – winning is!
SCHMEICHEL DOES NOT TAKE PRIDE IN KEEPING OPPOSITION OUT
KASPER Schmeichel’s long wait for a clean sheet is not the main concern for the Leicester City captain – winning matches is.
Schmeichel has conceded in each of his last 19 games in all competitions since he kept out Wolves in the opening Premier League game of the campaign in August.
But, ahead of tonight’s big Europa League tie against Napoli, he says he does not have personal pride in his clean sheets record like a striker might with their goals.
Of those 19 fixtures, City have managed to win seven thanks to the form of their forwards, but more victories are needed.
“Clean sheets are not something I take too much notice of,” Schmeichel said.
“You can only get one a game, not like a goal.
“It provides a foundation for you to win games, which would be helpful at the moment.
“The most important thing has always been winning. When you’re inconsistent as a team with your results, you generally don’t keep too many clean sheets.
“It’s something we’re looking to address.
“Clean sheets are not the most important thing, winning is.
“When you are not doing both, it becomes an issue.”
Schmeichel is set to line up between the sticks at Estadio Diego Armando Maradona tonight as City look to get the win they need to top their Europa League group, albeit they may settle for the point that would guarantee progression to the knockout rounds.
With City stuttering, a win over the Serie A side would be one of their best this season, and it could provide a big shot of confidence to the squad. When you play in Europe, you realise there are not any easy games,” Schmeichel said.
“On paper, there have been games that we would have expected to win but that’s just the unpredictability and excitement of European football.
“You come up against teams that you’re not used to, and it’s a challenge.
“Any time you come to a wellestablished European club, it’s a big test.
“If we come through it, there is confidence to be taken from that.
“But you’re thinking of this game at the moment and not what it can do in the long run, but it might inspire confidence, winning always does.”