‘We must show our character to honour our chairman, that is the most important thing’
MANAGER SAYS TRAGIC EVENTS WILL MAKE HIS PLAYERS BETTER FOOTBALLERS AND MEN
powered by LEICESTER City’s players will be better footballers and better men for their experiences since the death of chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, manager Claude Puel believes.
The City boss has praised his players for the way they have conducted themselves since the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of Khun Vichai and four others two weeks ago, following the West Ham United game at the King Power Stadium.
City return to home soil today for the first time since the horrific scenes following the crash in a nearby car park and City are set to pay poignant tribute to the chairman before and during the visit of Burnley.
Puel believes his players will have matured as men and learned more about themselves during the darkest time in the club’s history, and he believes they will be able to handle the emotional day as a result.
“It’s just a professional attitude,” said Puel.
“On the pitch, we have to show our character, to honour our chairman, it’s the most important thing.
“We cannot play with just the emotion. If we remain with just this feeling, it will not be possible to find a good focus and to play our game.
“It is important to find the right balance between emotion and focus. I have confidence in my players, they have learned a lot about themselves.”
Puel admits it will be a tough afternoon for everyone associated with the club but believes the family spirit at City, between players, staff and supporters, will see City through.
“It’s not easy, our first game at home,” he said. “There is a lot of emotion and a lot of events around the game.
“All the players will show their maturity and strength at these events. We will give a good response together with the support of our fans.
“It’s like a family and it’s important for us to honour our chairman and to pay our tributes in the game.
“I would like success to play a full game with good concentration and good focus. We will see the result.”
Since the tragedy, the club has pulled together on and off the field, and it will be the same today as City celebrate the life of Khun Vichai while also paying respects on Remembrance weekend.
Puel thanked everyone at the club for the way they have united in adversity.
“The club has to manage this situation with the right decisions,” said Puel. “It’s a lot of work.
“There’s a lot of togetherness. I would also like to thank them.
“All the club has kept a professional attitude and have found a good balance between work and honouring the chairman.
“It’s fantastic for all the people at the club.
“The first game at home, with all the events, it will be tough.
“We will try to manage moment in the right way.
“I have seen my players with good maturity, with character, with a lot of soul.
“They keep their way, their focus and there’s a lot of emotions also.” this