Make Our Presence Felt On The Pitch, Says Soumaré

- Leicester City head to Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday (2pm kick-off)
- Boubakary Soumaré is looking forward to the physical challenge Marcelo Bielsa's side will pose
- The Frenchman also discusses his working relationship with Brendan Rodgers
- Soumaré says he is settling in well at the Club after joining from Lille during the summer

The Foxes, who left Elland Road with a 4-1 triumph last season, head to Yorkshire for a 2pm kick-off after the 1-1 draw with Spartak Moscow in the UEFA Europa League three days earlier. Both City, in 11th, and Leeds, in 17th, will be looking to climb the Premier League standings swiftly.

That encounter with Russian opposition was Soumaré's 14th outing for Leicester since joining from French champions Lille in the summer and the Noisy-le-Sec-born midfielder is enjoying the tests which English football is presenting. Leeds, on the other hand, will be another unique experience for him.

"We know, ahead of all games, they will be a challenge," he told LCFC TV. "It’ll be tough. We know this will be no different against Leeds, particularly on the back of a defeat against Arsenal. We’re going to get our heads up, get going again, and we’ll do our utmost to bring the three points home.

"The defeat against Arsenal really hurt us. We will be giving everything out on the pitch to bounce back and show what we’re truly capable of and ultimately win the game. I have to say, since I’ve arrived here, just about all the teams we’ve faced play in a similar way (to Leeds).

"It’s the characteristic of English teams. They’re very physical, very quick, and it just means we have to step up as well and make our presence felt on the pitch. I’ve come from the French league, which is also pretty physical, pretty technical as well.

"Coming here was the next step up for me so it’s up to me to step out on the pitch, make my presence felt and also to show the qualities I have as a player.

"I think things have gone really well (since joining Leicester), to be honest with you. Obviously, when I arrived, everything was brand new. Everyone’s been extremely warm, extremely welcoming – the staff, the players – everyone associated with the Club. I’m pretty happy with the way thing have gone.

"I think I’m still adapting [to the Premier League], but as I’ve already said, everyone’s really helping me. I think I’m making good progress and heading in the right direction, certainly."

Soumaré also provided an insight into his working relationship with Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers, who is helping the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder settle into life at Leicester. 

"Both as a human being and as a coach, he’s great," City's No.42 explained. "He’s a great guy. He’s really helping me, putting me at ease, and helping me both on and off the pitch.

"He’s helping me to progress. Obviously, when you’re on the pitch and achieving results, that gives you a lot of confidence, both as an individual and as a group. I can only hope we continue that momentum going forward and, as the season develops, hopefully we’re able to achieve what we set out to."

The 22-year-old has played alongside Youri Tielemans regularly this season and he hopes he can continue to build an effective partnership with the Belgium international in the heart of City's midfield.

"Our partnership’s developed really naturally," he said. "He’s a great guy first and foremost. The fact we can speak French together is very helpful. I can only say good things about him. I hope he continues to play as he has been playing so far throughout the season to help us achieve our targets."

All times GMT.