Johnson Outlines City's Ambition In Hong Kong
- Leicester City's youngsters continue preparations for the Hong Kong Citi Soccer Sevens
- The Foxes start their defence of the Main Cup crown on Saturday afternoon
- Captain Darnell Johnson spoke to LCFC TV at the competition's official launch on Thursday
- The City defender says everybody is determined to retain their 2017 title this weekend
Ten members of the Club’s Development Squad landed in Asia on Wednesday, ready to defend their Main Cup crown after a brilliant showing 12 months ago in Happy Valley.
After the conclusion of City’s first training session on Thursday morning, Johnson joined captains of eight of the sides represented in Hong Kong for a special launch event on the 27th floor of their hotel.
The 19-year-old defender is among the most experienced players in Leicester’s youthful squad this summer after helping England lift the UEFA Under-19s European Championships last year.
Johnson Launches 2018 Hong Kong Citi Soccer Sevens
Youngster Darnell Johnson, Leicester City's captain this week, launches the Hong Kong Citi Soccer Sevens on Thursday.
Also a previous winner of the Soccer Sevens, Johnson discussed the focus City will need to exhibit as they continue preparations for the seven-a-side contest, which begins on Saturday.
“I’m very excited to start playing, me and my boys and everybody else in the coaching staff is raring to go,” he told LCFC TV on Thursday.
“Obviously we know the opposition is going to be tough but we’re well trained, we’re determined to try and retain the title so that’s all we’ve come here to do.
“Yesterday we went around just to stretch our legs after the plane journey but we’ve only come here with one objective which is to play our best and try to win the tournament again.”
Hong Kong Citi Soccer Sevens Training
Leicester City's youngsters underwent their first training session ahead of the Hong Kong Citi Soccer Sevens on Thursday...
On the back of City’s opening training session, in temperatures which hit 30 degrees in the morning, Johnson also stressed how crucial it is to manage the conditions.
“Firstly, in the morning, I think the boys found it a bit tough,” he added.
“Obviously the conditions were getting to us while we were running, we were having to find our second wind and do things with more urgency.
“We know what it’s like so I’m sure the boys should be equipped for the games because we’ve been preparing well, both back in Leicester and now out here.
“We had a practice game which I felt was very good for the boys, very good for our lungs and very good to get to grips with the game so we’re ready.”