Shakespeare: We Know Our Strengths

- Craig Shakespeare says Leicester City will respect Spanish giants Atlético Madrid, but knows his side are not to be taken lightly 

- The City boss outlined his outfit’s aim prior to the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final tie

- The Foxes take on the 10-time La Liga champions at the Vincente Calderon Stadium on Wednesday evening (7.45pm kick-off GMT) 

- Wes Morgan (back) will not feature, but Wilfred Ndidi is expected to be fit, according to Shakespeare 

Craig Shakespeare is under no illusions as to how difficult Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid will be, but knows Leicester City pack plenty of pedigree themselves. 

Atléti and the Foxes – two in-form teams with comparable playing styles – for the first leg of a quarter-final tie that City know will have a huge bearing on the overall result. 

A Jamie Vardy strike, courtesy of a swift attack forged down the left flank, earned the Premier League champions a precious away goal when they faced Sevilla in Spain last month. 

Tasked with overturning a first leg deficit, a 2-0 win against Jorge Sampaoli’s men followed on Filbert Way, and while City take on what could potentially be a fiercer team in the form of Atlético, Shakespeare knows his side’s strengths are there for all to see. 

Speaking to the world’s media on the eve of the tie, he said: “We’ll have to show them the respect they deserve. Their style is well documented. In terms of their team, they press high. 

“For us, it’s about what we do tomorrow (Wednesday) night. We’re aware of Atlético’s strengths but we’re also aware of our strengths. 

“In terms of life experiences, you use them as you go along. Sometimes, you’ll have new experiences of which this season in the Champions League is for us. 

“We’ve enjoyed it, but make no mistake, we’re there to compete. These players deserve the opportunity to play here and we aim to keep that going tomorrow night.” 

Shakespeare confirmed that Wes Morgan will take no part in the Atlético fixture, but says Wilfred Ndidi is expected to be available for selection. 

The midfielder was rested for Sunday’s trip to Everton as a precaution due to a tight groin, but took part in the full training session on Tuesday evening at the Calderon. 

Shakespeare said of Morgan: “There’s no chance [he’ll play]. He’s here and he travelled with the team, but he’ll take no part in the game. 

“Wilfred [Ndidi] is fine. He trained partly yesterday and he’ll take part in the whole session today. Hopefully he’ll come through that okay, which is what we’re expecting.”