Bournemouth Defeat ‘Difficult’ For Puel
- Claude Puel reflects on Leicester City’s 4-2 defeat to Bournemouth
- James Maddison and Marc Albrighton were on target for the Foxes
- The clash will be assessed on LCFC Radio’s Extra-Time show on Monday
City’s return to Premier League action following the international break ended in defeat, as the Cherries stormed into a 3-0 lead before half-time, despite James Maddison hitting the crossbar in the first half.
Adam Smith extended Bournemouth’s advantage after the break before Wes Morgan was sent off in the second period.
While goals from Maddison and Marc Albrighton reduced the deficit, City couldn’t salvage a point from the game.
“It’s difficult, difficult to accept,” Puel told LCFC TV. “I think it’s strange, I think it was not a fair reflection in the first half because we started well, better than our last games. It was a good balance and we had chances to score.
“On the counter-attack, we lacked concentration and focus. We allowed this team to score two times in their two first moves of the game. It was harsh and after we conceded another goal, a penalty – a harsh penalty I think – at 3-0 in this condition at half-time, it was difficult.
“We came back and we tried to come back in the game. Of course, it’s difficult in this condition because the opponent took confidence. I’m pleased with the second half, the end of the second half, because we scored goals with 10 men.
“We continued to attack and to believe and to keep this good mentality in the beginning of the season. I think it’s a good thing today.
“For the next game, of course, it will be important to correct defensive aspects and our concentration and focus. Of course, to continue to move on – this is important.”
Puel believes Bournemouth’s intensity proved key to their victory on the south coast, but the Frenchman was pleased with the mentality his men showed.
He said: “We have a good mentality in the team with quality. We know it was a tough game to play against this team because they started very well.
“They put a lot of intensity in the game and quality also. We were well in our play on the ground but perhaps without a good focus and concentration in our defensive aspects.
“When I spoke about defensive aspects, of course it’s all of the team. Perhaps I have to find a better balance between players playing international games and others also. Perhaps it was harsh for some players. We will see next week.”
Puel believes a full week of training for the squad will stand his side in good stead ahead of Saturday’s clash with Huddersfield Town at King Power Stadium.
“We have had certain players away without a possibility to prepare this game to try to find again the good focus and concentration,” added the City boss. “We know it’s always difficult.
“This team, the opponents, had just six players. But it’s not an excuse because we started well and we have to correct different things to keep this good mentality. It’s a shame because we have quality. It’s important that this game is an accident.”