Puel's Admiration For Newcastle's Defensive Solidity

- Leicester City head to St James' Park to play Newcastle United on Saturday (3pm BST kick-off)
- Claude Puel says he expects the Magpies to be another tough test for his side
- The Foxes boss has also called for his side to improve their start to matches in the Premier League
- Live coverage is available on LCFC Radio from 1pm BST on Saturday afternoon

The Foxes will come up against Rafa Benítez’s men in the North East on Saturday, hoping to secure their third successive away victory over the Magpies (3pm BST kick-off).

Puel pointed to Newcastle’s comparably strong defensive record against sides placed around them in the top flight table as one reason for City to be wary this weekend.

“My feeling is when we play in the stadium [St James’ Park], it’s a fantastic stadium with 55,000 fans behind their team, it’s a big atmosphere and it’s always tough,” the Leicester boss said.

“After, we know it’s a solid team. Since the beginning of the season, they didn’t concede a lot of goals, they’re strong together with good pressing and it’s difficult to play against them.

“With a fantastic spirit, they win battles. I’m sure we will play a tough game against this team and against these players.”

Reflecting on City’s start to the new campaign, leaving them in ninth place, Puel also stated his desire to see his side improve their beginning to games.

“Sometimes we have conceded the first goal within the first few minutes of the game and it’s always difficult after,” he added.

“We’re giving ourselves a mountain to climb from behind because it’s difficult to come back in the game against a team that plays deep, without space.

“The positive is we know the situation and we can find a solution in the second half but it would be better to start well and improve this aspect because in our play it’s not enough.”