BITTERSWEET
MADDISON, BARNES AND IHEANACHO ON TARGET IN EUROPA LEAGUE WIN
WINNING their Europa League opener was a “bittersweet” experience for Leicester City after it came in an empty King Power Stadium, writes Jordan Blackwell.
City recorded a 3-0 victory over Zorya Luhansk last night but after chasing European football for the whole of last season, James Maddison said there was some disappointment that his debut in continental football came without a crowd. Maddison marked his first European appearance with a goal, prodding in the opener that helped settle City nerves.
The number 10 was making a rare start, with injuries affecting him over the opening month of the campaign.
He said: “I hate having no fans, it drives me insane. So it’s a good win but it’s bittersweet.
“I wish my family were there and I had a full King Power Stadium. If there are no fans to put pressure on, I’ll do it myself. It’s about staying consistent now.
“Some might say the Europa League is the next step for us. I watched the Champions League and the quality is up there. It’s a process, we want to get there eventually and maybe the Europa League will be a foundation for us to get there.
“When you’re out with an injury, It brings back your love for the game.
“It’s a special feeling to be playing in Europe for the first time and to score.”
Manager Brendan Rodgers added: “It was a very good win, it’s nice to get the points on the board and a clean sheet.
“We had to work hard, there’s areas where we can get better.”