Pereira: We’re not foxed by our form
LEICESTER ASTON VILLA RICARDO SAYS FOCUS IS KEY TO KEEP EURO PLACE DEAN CAN SEE LIGHT THROUGH WINDOW
Neil Moxley
SMALL is beautiful for Ricardo Pereira – small details, that is.
The Portugal right-back has calmed the fears of Leicester City fans by saying their mini-slump will be fixed by focusing on the fine margins against Aston Villa.
The former Porto defender claims that standards have not slipped at the King Power Stadium, but does admit that a lack of concentration is costing Brendan Rodgers’ men.
The Foxes enjoyed a 14-point lead over their rivals in the race for the Champions League slots after they thumped Newcastle 3-0 at St James’ Park on New Year’s Day.
But that has been whittled to seven – and now there are several other clubs in the chase for European football’s top competition.
But Pereira isn’t pushing the panic button just yet, despite his side picking up just one Premier League triumph in their last seven outings.
He said: “Small details make all the difference. They did so in the League Cup against Villa and they do in the Premier League, too.
Payback
“At this level – and in the cup – they make all the difference. We have to work harder at every detail. We don’t want to concede goals or even chances.
“In some of these matches where we haven’t won, we might have conceded only one chance in the game – but it can make a difference.
“We know what’s happening around us in the Premier
DEAN SMITH believes Aston Villa’s January transfer window business will save his season, writes NEIL MOXLEY.
Villa moved into the market, swiftly adding four new faces to their squad – and the club’s boss thinks it could be key during their survival fight.
Only Norwich are keeping the former European champions from propping up the rest of the
League so, of course, we are looking at the table – it’s important to know.
“But the focus has to be ourselves and to pick up the most points possible.”
Pereira netted for the fourth time in an increasingly successful personal campaign in front of goal to clinch FA Cup victory over Birmingham City in midweek.
At least that stopped the rot and gave the Foxes a boost ahead of their final meeting this season
Premier League. But Smith insists that the arrival of keeper Pepe Reina (left) and striker Ally Samatta will prove pivotal.
He said: “Those two pieces of business could be key. They are two big parts of the picture, keeping it out of the net at one end and putting it in at the other.
“As long as Pepe wants to play, he will do – somewhere. I’ve been really impressed by the person he against Aston Villa. Of course, Villa dumped them out of the Carabao Cup just four weeks ago.
Pereira said: “Payback against them is too harsh a word – but, of course, we want to show a different image of that game. We drew here and we lost there.
“We want to bounce back against them and show a different image.
Blip
“It was very painful for us. Very difficult, very disappointing.
“We were supposed to get to the final but, unfortunately, we didn’t get there.
“We and the fans were shattered because we were so close to getting there. We were disappointed we didn’t get there and we let them down – and we let ourselves down.” Leicester face the is, firstly. Then, secondly, as a player. He’s very good with his feet. He knows how to keep the ball. And how to keep it out of the back of his net.
“The experiences he has got – not just at Liverpool – but with other clubs, can only help our dressing room in the battle to come. Even in small-sided games in training, if he’s on the losing side, he’s not a happy man. That’s prospect of a promising season falling apart if they cannot arrest their blip in form. They play Villa and Watford at home this week, with both clubs in the relegation dogfight.
With their closest challengers all gaining ground on them, there is a danger they could slip from second to outside the Champions League spots.
Chelsea present a tough task in the last eight of the FA Cup, even though the Foxes will be on their own familiar territory.
Pereira said: “I think it’s good to play more games because it’s a sign we are going far in every competition.
“That’s what we want and we have to be prepared for that. We know it’s difficult, but that’s a price we are willing to pay – it’s the price of success.
“But we must concentrate on those small margins – or we won’t achieve anything.” what I want to see – winners – and he’s certainly one.
“His performances have lived up to the expectation. He’s been a bundle of energy for us.”
Samatta was brought in from Belgium side Genk for £10million and Smith added: “He scored a super goal at Wembley. The others respect him, they can see the qualities he brings.
“Those two could be big for us.”