Mendy Growing In Confidence

- The Frenchman featured in the Premier League for the first time since August 

- Leicester City face Everton at Goodison Park in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round on Saturday 

Ahead of Leicester City’s Emirates FA Cup fixture at Everton, Papy Mendy says his confidence is increasing after his recent appearance against Middlesbrough. 

Mendy made his first Premier League appearance since August on Monday after completing over 80 minutes in the 0-0 draw with Aitor Karanka’s men. 

A huge boost given he has played just three times for City this term, Mendy is now hoping for more game time in order to gain experience. 

“It’s good for me and I’m very happy to have played in the last game,” Mendy told LCFC TV. “It was important for me because it was only my second game in the Premier League. 

“It’s a good experience for me and I want to play more to improve. When I play more, I have more confidence and play well.” 

The Frenchman operated in a midfield three alongside Daniel Amartey and Andy King against Boro – a system Mendy felt City benefitted from. 

He continued: “It was a big change in formation for the team because we always play with two in midfield. 

“Against Boro, we played with three in midfield and it was good because defensively, we were strong. We played well with three midfielders and that’s good for us in the next game. 

“We are professionals so it’s normal to have good adaptation. Maybe we could play 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, so it’s good for the team to improve.” 

With Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani and Amartey all away with their respective countries on Africa Cup of Nations duty, Mendy believes now is the time for other members of the City squad to stake a claim in Claudio Ranieri’s starting XI. 

Mendy added: “We know with Riyad [Mahrez], Islam [Slimani] and Daniel [Amartey], the team is very strong. They have gone to the Africa Cup of Nations. 

“Now, the players that are here will give their best in training to show to the manager that they are good players.”