Gary Rowett reacts to another defeat for Leicester, as their impending relegation to League One looks even more likely. The loss marks a 16-game run where City have picked up just one league win. Despite the improvements, Rowett hasn’t been able to work miracles on this deflated squad. In a campaign marred by inconsistency, as the Foxes stare down the barrel of the third tier. Just four games remain, one of which is against Portsmouth, who are also embroiled in this relegation battle. Ultimately, it’s hard to see where City go from here.
Leicester Extend Winless Run to Five
Gary Rowett Savagely Reacts to Leicester’s Chaotic Season
Following today’s defeat, Rowett spoke to BBC Sport Leicester, giving his thoughts on another poor display. Initially, he gave his point of view on the goal, as the leading Championship goalscorer, Zan Vipotnik, added to his tally. “It’s a ridiculous decision to play a quick free-kick. For me, we have to be more basic,” Rowett said. The winner came just eight minutes into the second half, which makes it all the more disappointing. Statistically, Leicester had the better of the visitors in the first 45, with nine shots and one big chance missed.
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In addition to this, the Foxes’ boss also aired out his frustration with conceding easy goals. “We seem to have a habit of giving away elementary goals. To go a whole season and only make three clean sheets, it’s a sad indictment of how we have defended as a team.” Defensive errors have been at the heart of this season’s struggles as Leicester have now conceded the second most goals, with 64. Not to mention the 30-game run, which saw them without a clean sheet; their worst run outside the top flight since 1948.
Looking Ahead
In terms of the future, City are next in action against Portsmouth. Rowett describes it as a must-win game following Conor Chaplin’s 97th-minute winner to take all three points from promotion hopeful Middlesbrough. Rowett urges his side to show more grit and determination next time out, as everything lies on the encounter. He said: ” I want to see a more desperate team fighting for their lives.” This lack of fight has been a characteristic frustrating supporters, especially as a third relegation in four seasons looks to be on the cards. With several players set to depart in the summer, the desperation doesn’t seem to be there when compared to the likes of Oxford or Portsmouth.
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If the defeat wasn’t enough, Rowett also had more concerning news as Ben Nelson and Caleb Okoli are set to miss the rest of the season. He said:“Ben hurt himself the day after the last game.” If there were any positives, it would be that Jannik Vestergaard and Harry Souttar have both returned to the squad after time out with injury. Though it’s hard to see this making a real big difference in the grand scheme of things. Both players have had injury spells, and the problems leading to this downfall far exceed defensive woes.
The tough nature of this season has certainly caught the City boss’ attention too. “The ten games I have had here have felt like forty,” Rowett explained. With the 52-year-old’s prior experience of relegation battles with Oxford and Birmingham City, it’s fair to say these words highlight the level of turmoil the club are in. Potentially consecutive relegations, significant financial losses and an apathetic supporter base. It’s a drastic difference from the feeling a decade ago, when Leicester did the unthinkable.
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