Beaglehole: Learn From Fleetwood Setback
- Steve Beaglehole reflects on Leicester City's 3-0 loss to Fleetwood Town in the Checkatrade Trophy
- The Development Squad fell courtesy of goals from Godswill Ekpolo, Baily Cargill and Wes Burns
- Beaglehole wants to see his players react when Premier League 2 resumes next month
Strikes from Godswill Ekpolo, Baily Cargill and Wes Burns condemned City to defeat in their maiden Checkatrade Trophy fixture of the new campaign at Highbury Stadium on Tuesday.
During his post-match briefing with LCFC TV, Beaglehole said: “It’s a tough result. In all fairness, 3-0 flattered us. Max Bramley has made a couple of good saves and they hit the post.
“We’ve said before that these matches tell you more than Under-23s games because you’re playing against men who have got that competitive edge about them.
Beaglehole Disappointed With Defeat
Steve Beaglehole spoke to LCFC TV after his side's Checkatrade Trophy fixture against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday evening.
“Four of our players are out on international duty. They would have made a big difference. We certainly wouldn’t have got beaten 3-0.
"It’s disappointing that when you play this opposition, you don’t have them with you.”
Despite the frustration of losing, Beaglehole was delighted to see defender Sam Hughes, signed from Chester this summer, impress on his return from an ankle ligaments injury.
“We’ve said in there that our best player was Sam,” he continued.
“He’s been out for six to eight weeks and he stood up to the test. Physically and mentally, he could handle it. I was really pleased with him. That was a big plus point.”
Reflecting on the reasons for the result, Beaglehole pointed to Fleetwood’s talent as the Sky Bet League 1 side continue their efforts to secure promotion to the second tier.
“They’re a good side, they are really well organised,” he added. “They play three centre halves who did very well, they are near the top of League 1 and were unlucky not to get to the Championship.
“We’ve got to learn from this. It’s a tough industry and there are some good players in the lower leagues.
“They’ve got to compete. It’s men’s football; it’s competitive, it’s physical. Their players won too many tackles and we knew they would be a threat from set plays.
“They scored from a free-kick, which I was disappointed with. Set plays are a massive part of the game at all levels.
"In terms of going forward, we do have some talented players but they’ve not had an impact.”