Puel's Frustration At Manchester City Loss

- Leicester City defeated 2-0 by Premier League leaders Manchester City at King Power Stadium
- Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne scored either side of half time for the visitors
- De Bruyne’s goal came just seconds after Harry Maguire hit the post for Leicester City
- Puel was frustrated to lose despite some positive moments for his team

A goal on the stroke of half time at King Power Stadium from Gabriel Jesus gave Manchester City the lead before Kevin De Bruyne fired in a stunner shortly after the break – just seconds after Harry Maguire had hit the post for Leicester at the other end.

Foxes fans felt that Man City skipper Vincent Kompany could have been shown a red card in just the third minute when he brought down Jamie Vardy, who looked to be clean through on goal, but the defender received a yellow card as Puel was left to reflect on a first defeat as Leicester City manager.

He told media at full-time: “My first feeling is of frustration because we started the game very well with good organisation. It was a fantastic first move between [Vicente] Iborra and Jamie Vardy. I think it should have been a red card. All this can change the game. It was the first incident against us.

“The first 30 minutes was interesting with good a level, good organisation and good use of the ball with good opportunities on the attack and counter attack. The last 15 minutes before half time were more difficult because there was too much space between our lines and the first goal was hard to accept because it came just before half time.

“We came back with good intention in the second half and we could have scored, but we hit the post and then on the counter attack we conceded the second goal. It was a good goal but also difficult to accept.

“We know this team, they are a fantastic team and for me the best in Europe at the moment. Once we conceded it was difficult to get back into the game. We tried to push sometimes but every attack it was difficult for us because it was good for them to play with the two goals so they could counter attack us.”

Puel employed midfielder Marc Albrighton in an unfamiliar central role behind Vardy for the game – a move that proved successful with the 28-year-old impressing alongside Riyad Mahrez and Demarai Gray in a midfield three. 

He added: “I think it was interesting. The first 30 minutes the system with Marc in midfield allowed a good organisation and there was some good football and we looked solid, and there was quality because Marc had all the quality in this position because he has good technique. He has good effort and can run a lot. 

“After the first 30 minutes it was more difficult because we left too much space between our lines and they can find the space between our lines and can attack. It is difficult. It was important to be compact in the second half but we conceded the second goal after we had a chance. It is just a pity.”