wicked.football

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers was delighted with his side’s display in beating Randers and revealed why he had to replace James Maddison late in the game.

The Foxes slipped into the Europa Conference League after finishing third in the Europa League group stage. Prior to the match, the Northern Irish tactician had confessed he knew little about the new competition. But his side is now on track to make the draw for the last-16 after securing a 4-1 first-leg lead in the Conference League knockout phase.

Wilfred Ndidi gave the hosts the lead on 23 minutes but it was all square at half-time thanks to Vito Hammershoy-Mistrati’s effort.

Any thoughts of an upset were soon ended as second-half goals by Harvey Barnes, Patson Daka and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall put daylight between the teams.

The East Midlanders will travel to Denmark on February 24 as firm favourites to progress.

Rodgers was pleased with many aspects of Leicester’s triumph but was critical of the way they let the opposition back into the contest.

“We are disappointed with the goal we conceded right on half-time but I think we continued right on from our game with West Ham,” he told BT Sport. “Our mantra, in terms of being positive with the ball and progressive. I thought we started well in the first half and created numbers of opportunities in the first and second half.

“Their keeper has made some fantastic saves. But I am delighted. It is obviously only the first game but to get the four goals and create so much was very encouraging.”

Rodgers lifts lid on Maddison substitution

Maddison has been outstanding for the King Power outfit this season. The 25-year-old has looked back to his best, with nine goals in all competitions to his name.

But he was seen to slump to the ground under no obvious challenge towards the end of the match. There was concern among the home players, especially captain Kasper Schmeichel.

The 35-year-old had witnessed at close quarters team-mate Christian Eriksen’s close call for Denmark during Euro 2020. The midfielder’s heart stopped in that game and the veteran goalkeeper rushed to Maddison’s aid to assess the situation.

He was replaced with five minutes to go. But Rodgers gave an encouraging update on the former Norwich City star’s health.

“He wasn’t feeling well so we took him off,” he added. “He is in with the medics and he feels fine. Caglar [Soyuncu] has a sore knee so we will see how he is tomorrow.”

READ MORE: Major fall out with key Leicester man leaves Rodgers on brink of sack, claims report

The post Rodgers reveals Leicester ‘mantra’ in Euro triumph; gives Maddison update after worrying health scare appeared first on TEAMtalk.