Manager – Stephy has my backing
NOT EASY FOR WINGER FACING HIGH EXPECTATIONS, BOSS SAYS
MARTI Cifuentes has thrown his full support behind Stephy Mavididi as the Leicester City winger strives to reach heightened expectations this season, writes Jordan Blackwell.
The City boss has said it is “not easy” for Mavididi following a tough year in the Premier League and with more pressure on him to deliver following his fine campaign two years ago.
The spotlight is on the 27-year-old after he failed to convert the chance of the match in Saturday’s goalless draw with Coventry, his one-on-one effort saved. He is still awaiting his first goal of the campaign.
After his missed opportunity, a section of City fans chanted Jeremy Monga’s name, with growing calls among supporters for the 16-year-old prodigy to be selected ahead of Mavididi on the left wing.
Cifuentes believes Mavididi is well aware of what he is expected to provide and is backing him to deliver.
“Stephy, in this stage of his career, is a mature player,” Cifuentes said at his press conference on Wednesday. “He understands, when a player has the quality he’s got, there’s always big expectations around him.
“He knew it was a big chance. But what I value is that he’s trying again and again and that’s the most important thing.
“He had a very strong season in the Championship two seasons ago, so probably everybody expects him to be at the same level, if not better.
“It’s not easy for him. Last season was perhaps not the best for him. I’m here to try to get the best out of his game.
“What I value is that he’s honest. We know he can deliver a lot and can be a very important player for the team.
“For me, what I value is that he’s trying to go one-v-one, he’s trying to do the things we ask him to do.
“That’s why, as long as he keeps trying, I will always be backing him because he’s a very good player.”
Monga does have a goal to his name this season, scoring off the bench at Preston last month, but he has only started one league match so far, away at Charlton when Mavididi was injured.
“It’s always healthy that there is competition,” Cifuentes added. “Jeremy can learn a lot from Stephy.
“When you look at Stephy’s career, he’s done well, not only in the Championship, he’s already played in the Premier League, he’s played abroad at a high level, at big clubs like Juventus and Arsenal. There is definitely something that Jez can learn from him.”