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Pearson Keeps Pre-Season Perspective
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson admitted his side were marginally short of the levels he expected against Preston North End on Saturday, but was keen to keep pre-season results in perspective.
The Foxes were held to a 1-1 draw by the League 1 Lilywhites at Deepdale – Tom Clarke heading the hosts level in the second half after a spectacular Liam Moore opener half way through the first.
And while his men were unable to go on and make it four pre-season wins in a row, Pearson is more focused on his side’s application across the pre-season campaign.
“We were slightly off the pace today,” he said. “Not as fluid as we have been, but you can’t read too much into pre-season games.
“I like us to win as often as possible as it’s a good habit to have, but when you don’t quite find the fluidity you’re looking for, it’s a lesson to us that we have to be at full-tilt.
“It’s pre-season, so you have to apply some perspective. Cast your mind back to Northampton last year – it’s not all about the results being right, it’s about working hard and getting your application right.
“The next time we play games, all of the squad will get 90 minutes, so this is an important part of preparing for any new season.
“We’ve got some good competition for places in several positions, so it should make for an interesting couple of weeks before the start of the season.”
Pearson’s side travel to MK Dons on Monday and Rotherham on Tuesday, where two separate sides are expected to feature.
It remains to be seen whether Jamie Vardy will be involved in either outing, after Pearson confirmed that the striker had been withdrawn during the first half as a precaution.
“He’s had a tight thigh and I want him available for the start of the season,” Pearson told the media post-match.
“I see no mileage in putting players in a situation where there’s potential for them to injure themselves and keep them out of the side. It was just a precaution today.”
And while his men were unable to go on and make it four pre-season wins in a row, Pearson is more focused on his side’s application across the pre-season campaign.
“We were slightly off the pace today,” he said. “Not as fluid as we have been, but you can’t read too much into pre-season games.
“I like us to win as often as possible as it’s a good habit to have, but when you don’t quite find the fluidity you’re looking for, it’s a lesson to us that we have to be at full-tilt.
“It’s pre-season, so you have to apply some perspective. Cast your mind back to Northampton last year – it’s not all about the results being right, it’s about working hard and getting your application right.
“The next time we play games, all of the squad will get 90 minutes, so this is an important part of preparing for any new season.
“We’ve got some good competition for places in several positions, so it should make for an interesting couple of weeks before the start of the season.”
Pearson’s side travel to MK Dons on Monday and Rotherham on Tuesday, where two separate sides are expected to feature.
It remains to be seen whether Jamie Vardy will be involved in either outing, after Pearson confirmed that the striker had been withdrawn during the first half as a precaution.
“He’s had a tight thigh and I want him available for the start of the season,” Pearson told the media post-match.
“I see no mileage in putting players in a situation where there’s potential for them to injure themselves and keep them out of the side. It was just a precaution today.”
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