Okazaki: Bournemouth Made It Difficult

- The Foxes were held to a goalless draw by the Cherries at King Power Stadium 

- Okazaki says his Leicester City team-mates are like his family

Leicester City striker Shinji Okazaki says Bournemouth were difficult to break down on Saturday, but explained that his side’s positivity will help them bounce back in their next fixture. 

The Foxes were held to a goalless Barclays Premier League draw at King Power Stadium in a game that saw Jamie Vardy hit the post and Riyad Mahrez denied from the penalty spot by Artur Boruc. 

Japan international striker Okazaki entered the fray on 65 minutes after replacing winger Marc Albrighton and while City went on to dominate proceedings against the 10 men of Bournemouth, they couldn’t break the deadlock. 

“I think it was a difficult match,” Okazaki told Foxes Player HD. “Bournemouth’s [position] in the table is not so high, but I think they are a good team like Leicester. 

“Bournemouth’s first half was very good. They had three or four good chances, but no goals. In the second half we had a good game. We missed a penalty but we have a good spirit. 

“If they had 11 [men], they would have been more offensive but they were very tight. They had 10 men but they were so compact in the defence so it was more difficult for us.” 

Okazaki made the switch from Bundesliga outfit Mainz 05 in the summer of 2015 and has since gone on to score three times for the Foxes, including a vital strike in the 3-2 victory at Goodison Park in December. 

Explaining how he’s settling well in Leicester, he added: “It’s so different to Germany – the style – so for me sometimes it’s difficult but now I understand England and the Premier League. 

“I hope I score more. I like Leicester City – they’re like my family. I like the fans, so I’m enjoying it.”