Praet realises he must get more goals to keep City’s manager happy
BELGIAN SAYS ENGLISH FOOTBALL ‘NICER TO WATCH’ THAN ITALIAN
DENNIS Praet knows he must score more regularly if he is to meet the expectations of Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers.
The Belgian international bagged his first goal in City colours last month in the 2-1 defeat to Southampton.
But he knows getting on the scoresheet is not something he can do fleetingly if he is to be a key player for Rodgers, who wants his forwardthinking midfielders to relieve the pressure on Jamie Vardy.
“I was very pleased to get my first goal but at the end of the game I didn’t feel too happy because we lost the game,” Praet said.
“I would much prefer us to win the game and me not score, than it be the other way around.
“The coach expects us midfield players in the number eight positions to be dangerous going forward and score goals throughout the season.
“Maybe that is something I can get better at and improve during my time here.”
The 25-year-old certainly feels he can improve under the guidance of Rodgers.
“He’s a very good coach,” Praet said. “He speaks to his players a lot and for me, that’s very important. Good communication is a very important part of every football club.
“As you can see, he’s done well everywhere he’s been and now he’s doing a lot of good work here at Leicester.
“His style of football is also very enjoyable to play in.
“He’s a great manager and a good person also, so I’m happy to be here learning from him.”
Although he has only scored once, Praet has impressed City fans since his £18 million switch from Sampdoria last summer.
He is still adjusting to English football, but enjoys it, and says the stereotypical differences between the Premier League and Serie A are true.
“As a lot of people say, English football is so much more intense,” Praet said.
“It’s true; the intensity is so high and the games go from one goal to the other so quickly.
“In Italy, it’s a more tactical game and every team knows how to defend well.
“Everybody knows exactly where to be positioned on the field.
“In the Premier League there is more space and freedom to play, which I like.
“For the fans, I think English football is nicer to watch than Italian football, because in this league there is always so much action and teams create lots of opportunities.”