Puel's Positivity Following City Adaptability
- Claude Puel speaks to LCFC Radio following Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Puel says he was able to correct some problems when during a short pause in play in the first half
- Matt Doherty’s own goal and a fine effort from James Maddison sealed three points for the Foxes
- Jamie Vardy was dismissed in the second half
Wolves started well at King Power Stadium, hitting the woodwork twice through Raúl Jiménez and João Moutinho, before Matt Doherty headed into his own net to give the Foxes a 1-0 lead.
Then, seven minutes before the break, Rúben Neves received some treatment on the pitch, giving City boss Puel a chance to address some of his side’s difficulties in the first half.
“It was a tough game against a good team,” Puel told LCFC Radio. “They played well and they have a system in their play. It’s difficult to defend against this team and the first 20 minutes, we were not in a good position.
“We were without a good anticipation and good reading of the play. We have to correct this. I think the break (when Rúben Neves was down) allowed the possibility to give some corrections for the players.
“I am happy. Of course, we have to correct a lot of things today, but I am happy about our fighting spirit in this condition. It was a tough game and we continued to play to come back into the game.
“We scored two times and we had other chances to score. We have to correct different points and we conceded three [shots on] the post for example.
“This is not normal for us, but I am happy in this moment about our solidity and fighting spirit because without this mentality, it was not possible to win today.”
After City’s opener, King Power Stadium was bouncing and the Blue Army had further reason to celebrate when James Maddison curled in from distance to make it 2-0.
“I would like to tell our fans that they made a fantastic support for the team,” added Puel. “The fans [were] with the players.
“It was fantastic and it’s not perhaps the [most] consistent game that we wanted but about the fighting spirit today, it was the spirit of Leicester.
“Sometimes, it’s difficult to start for the first time at home. For a lot of players, it was their first start. I think some players played with good possibility. Other players, it was more difficult, but we will improve all this.
“For us, it’s just our second game and we can have all these players together – [Manchester] United and here against Wolverhampton [Wanderers]. For example, Wolverhampton played friendly games and all last season had the same schedule.
“I think it’s easier to start this season. For us, we have to improve, to evolve with the good understanding between the players of course. This game, I’m happy about the mentality. This is good and we can build something strong for the future.”