Talking Heads: Rodgers, Dyche, Justin & Dunne Preview City vs. Burnley
Following a 3-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion last weekend, the Foxes are already up and running in the league, while Burnley's visit to Leicester will be their first top-flight outing.
Sean Dyche's men did, however, enjoy a positive start to their domestic season with a penalty shootout success over Sheffield United at Turf Moor on Thursday evening.
Ahead of Sunday's encounter on Filbert Way (7pm BST kick-off), four key figures on both camps have discussed some of the biggest talking points going into the clash...
Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers told the media: "They’re really, really talented players. They’re always super organised, they’ve got a really good balance in their team, between attacking and defending. They’ve got some highly gifted, technical players that can play football too and Sean has turned them into that type of team over these last number of years. They’ve consolidated their Premier League place with some great finishes, so for us, last week was a test at a newly promoted team, away from home, and we rose to that challenge. It’ll be a different challenge on Sunday, but equally as tough, playing Burnley. A lot of focus has gone into it and we’ll be ready on Sunday."
Sean Dyche, Burnley's manager since 2012, said: "The group has a good feel about them and hopefully that bodes well. I think there is feel-good factor but that doesn't win games. We have to find that balance in the Premier League. But I liked how the players developed last night (beating Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup on Thursday) and I want that to continue against Leicester. The Premier League remains the priority. We are balancing the squad. Overall, [Leicester] had a strong season and they are a very good outfit who have invested heavily in the side. I think they are a side to be reckoned with and they are probably looking to go and get those Champions League spots. For us, it is a restart."
Foxes full-back James Justin, looking ahead to Sunday: "It's going to be a really tough test for us and we've just got to prepare for them this week and the threats that they pose for us. Hopefully we can come out with three points. I think it could work in either of two ways. For me, personally, I like playing three games in a week because it just keeps you in that stride I guess. Other players react differently, but we'll see come Sunday whether they're fully at it, but I think they will be. It's a big thing, interaction with fans, it's also another big thing that Leicester are massive on and hopefully we can keep the support going throughout the season for as long as they are not going to be at the stadium."
Burnley defender Jimmy Dunne speaking to burnleyfootballclub.com following his Clarets debut on Thursday: "I tried to remain focused and do my job the best I could and communicate well and stick to the basics, and that’s what I’ll continue to do in the future. You have to get used to playing at that kind of intensity. The boys are used to it but that’s the first I’ve seen and I’m delighted to come out with a win. It’s made the occasion a lot better. I’ve been very unfortunate with the centre-backs I’ve had ahead of me. It’s frustrating as well because you’re always dying for an opportunity. But at the same time I’ve been very fortunate to have a really good group of centre-backs to learn from."