Maintaining A Fresh Squad Is Vital, Says Puel

- The busy winter period will give Claude Puel a chance to get an extensive look at his Leicester City squad
- The Foxes continue their Premier League campaign at Southampton on Wednesday (7:45pm kick-off)
- Puel believes a number of his stars, including Demarai Gray, are benefitting from their significant involvement this term

The Foxes are preparing to contest seven games in the space of just 20 days, with Southampton next up on Wednesday evening.

While a tough task for Puel and his players, it will no doubt provide opportunities for other members of the first team fold to impress, according to the Leicester boss.

“It is a good challenge with this busy period to perhaps see some players and the quality of the squad because I don’t think we can play with only 11 players,” said Puel.

“It is important to see this and see different possibilities to maintain this level. That is the challenge for the next few games.

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Claude Puel

“We start a busy period with all these games so it will be important for players to be fresh every time that we play. Time will tell – hopefully we will have a good response to this.

“We just try to keep a good performance, to work hard on the pitch, work hard and be consistent every game.”

Demarai Gray has found the net in his last two appearances for the Foxes, netting the winner against Burnley at the start of the month before scoring a fine goal at Newcastle United on Saturday.  

Puel cited playing regularly as a major factor that has contributed to the winger’s productive form.

“I think it’s important that for all the players, not just Demarai, that there are capable players in the squad,” said the Frenchman.

“It’s not just Demarai – all the players need confidence and need to have game time also. 

“I think Demarai is a good player. He can give a different option for the team. He can play in different position and this is great for the squad.”