Barradell: A Positive Performance Against Crystal Palace
- Leicester City Under-18s drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace last weekend
- Yassin Toure scored a second half equaliser at LCFC Training Ground
- Up next in the U18 Premier League for the Foxes is a home clash with Aston Villa
- The boys executed the game plan really well, says coach Adam Barradell
Last weekend, the young Foxes secured a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at LCFC Training Ground as Yassine Toure levelled things up following an early strike from Matteo Dashi.
Speaking to LCFC.com post-match, Barradell explained how City inspired a comeback and believes the team are developing well as the season goes on.
“We were pleased with our performance against Crystal Palace,” the coach stated. “It was a positive performance against a team that were top of the league when we played them and had just beaten Liverpool in the Premier League Cup quite convincingly the week before.
“The boys executed the game plan really well in the first half, despite going 1-0 down. We then changed in the second half to be a bit more proactive higher up the pitch in terms of our pressing game, but it was disappointing to concede so early, especially after having a goal disallowed in the first two minutes.
“It was a sloppy goal to concede really. We’ve been proud of our defensive work this season, apart from Fulham, so to score in the second half and come from behind was great to see.”
Now four games into the 2023/24 league campaign, the Foxes sit ninth with five points. The Academy plan to use a short break in fixtures to their advantage, reflecting on previous performances and working on game plans for upcoming opponents Aston Villa, who are currently one point ahead of Leicester.
“We speak a lot about sticking to the process and long-term development, which for the players is more important than an individual game,” he continued. “So, it’s how we respond in games dependent on if we score or concede and that’s what the boys are doing.
“Against a team that were playing well, the tactic was about keeping an organised shape and being solid defensively. At half-time we changed that due to seeing what could get us back into the game, especially with the ball.
“We’ve got a week break now so it will be good to get some more Under-16s players up to speed. We had Will Lawrence and Jake Evans make substitute appearances and this week will provide more of an opportunity to try some different things against Aston Villa.”
Barradell also praised the impressive displays being produced by Academy graduate Kasey McAteer, who has scored four goals so far this Sky Bet Championship season, most recently during Wednesday’s win over Norwich City.
The 37-year-old added: “When a boy comes through, every member of staff and player in the Academy feel proud of them. It’s really important to see players come through and at the moment we’ve got a good pathway to the first team.
“It just shows that if these young lads perform well then the manager is going to give them opportunities, and long may that continue. Enzo Maresca is very aware of all the boys in the Academy and there have been conversations about what he’s looking for, mainly with the Under-21s, but he certainly has an eye on what’s coming through.”