City are in ‘perfect situation’ heading into promotion run-in
LEICESTER City’s fall from top spot does not change the complexion of the Championship promotion race for Enzo Maresca, with the manager insistent his club are in a “perfect situation” ahead of the run-in.
After six months straight in first place, Maresca’s men fell to second on the final weekend before the international break, Leeds displacing them as Championship leaders on goal difference by taking advantage of City’s FA Cup commitments.
But that’s not a problem for
Maresca, right. He does not believe City’s new position will impact his team in the run-in, which starts against Bristol City today.
“Before we were playing to win games and we continue that,” he said. “We have one game in hand. At the moment, the goal difference is for Leeds.
“Because of the amount of games in a short period, you don’t have time to see the table. You just have to win games.
“It’s 25 years I’ve been involved in football. The mentality is not to win the league with 10 or 15 points more than second. I respect Leeds, I respect Southampton, I respect Ipswich. I know that until the end, they are going to be there with us.
“That’s why I said it was not the reality. What they (the players) have done is something incredible.
“Winning 19 of 23 in the first half is something not normal.
“Also Leeds, I think in the last 12 games, they have won 11 and drawn one.
“Fantastic. They deserve to be where they are now, with us.
“Now we have nine games to go and every game will be difficult because every team is playing for some target.
“Teams are playing for promotion and for the play-offs. Every game will be tough.
“We said this year you need around 100 points, something that never happened in the past.
“But the good thing is that we are in a perfect situation. We are happy where we are. We just need to finish well.”
While City head to Ashton Gate, Ipswich are at Blackburn, Leeds travel to Watford, and Southampton host Middlesbrough.