Seventh heaven for Rodgers as he toasts maiden Cup win
CITY MANAGER
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BRENDAN Rodgers was overjoyed to see the happiness on the faces of the Leicester City players, supporters and chairman as he toasted the club’s historic maiden FA Cup triumph.
The City boss, hoarse in his postmatch press conference after an hour of celebrations, said he was overflowing with pride and satisfaction after his players’ 1-0 win over Chelsea thanks to Youri Tielemans’ wonder strike from 25 yards.
It was City’s first FA Cup success in five finals, and Rodgers was happy to be part of a historic occasion.
“It’s a historic day for the club,” he said.
“I’m so happy for the players, for Khun Top, for the supporters. They’ve lost four finals and this was a dream of theirs.
“It was a classic FA Cup game. We were playing against the Champions League finalists, so we knew we were going to have to suffer. We showed courage with it.
“It was an amazing goal by Youri and in the same breath I have to mention Kasper Schmeichel who pulled off a really special save. He’s a top-class goalkeeper.
“It was my seventh final, and I’m fortunate to be able to win all seven, but you can do that only with players with courage. You can see the spirit in this squad.
“I’m proud on a personal front to win it for Leicester, and seeing the happiness on everyone’s faces.
“My overriding feeling is of satisfaction. I’m more pleased for everyone, the feeling this gives supporters. It’s the trophy they really wanted to win.
“Hopefully they can enjoy it. It was a great victory for us.”
The occasion was made extra special for City fans who got to attend the game at Wembley, with many in a stadium for the first time in 14 months. Rodgers agreed the atmosphere was electric.
“It’s been such a tough year for supporters,” he said.
“The pandemic has kept them out of the stadium, but that’s what the game is about, that connection between fans and players.
“It felt like way more than 20,000. And it was great that a club like Leicester could be in the final, a team people hoping could upset the odds from a neutral perspective.
“I’m so happy City supporters could be there to see us win it.”