Maresca: The Game Is Never Finished
- It ended 1-1 between Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough
- Abdul Fatawu’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Jeff Hendrick’s leveller
- Enzo Maresca assessed the performance and frustration of conceding late on
- It’s fifth-placed West Bromwich Albion up next for the Foxes on Saturday afternoon
The Foxes looked to be taking maximum points following Abdul Fatawu’s first-half goal, but a stoppage-time equaliser from Jeff Hendrick ensured it finished all square on Wednesday evening. Kasey McAteer might have doubled the advantage prior to that, and Jannik Vestergaard's even later chance could have won it, but in the end it would be a point apiece.
City’s first stalemate of the season, against a side who remain at the foot of the division, is indicative of the Championship, according to Maresca.
“It’s disappointing, it’s a shame, but it is what it is,” the 43-year-old commented in his post-match assessment of proceedings. “This league is like this. The game is never finished and unfortunately, we conceded at the end.
“We made some choices that were not the correct ones and after that we controlled the game quite well but then we conceded.
“I think Sheffield Wednesday drew against Leeds away, so you never know. Every time it’s complicated, that’s why I said since we started that it’s never easy.
“The second goal would probably have killed the game but we missed some chances. The ‘keeper made a great save but sometimes when the game is finished in a draw you will go close.”
Remaining top of the Championship, now one point ahead of Ipswich Town in second, there is no time to dwell on the disappointing end in south Yorkshire, with a short trip across the Midlands to face West Bromwich Albion up next on Saturday. It’s a 12:30pm GMT kick-off at the Hawthorns.
“This is a long race,” the Italian stated. “It feels like a defeat in the way that we drew. But I just said we need to be mentally strong because in 72 hours we have one more game and we have to recover the energy.
“It’s a big chance (to get back to winning ways) but now we need to recover. When you play every three days, the most important thing is to recover energy and from injury.”