Ricardo's Confidence For The Future
- Ricardo Pereira speaks ahead of Leicester City's clash with Everton on Saturday (3pm BST kick-off)
- The Foxes approach the fixture after victories over Huddersfield Town, Wolves and Newcastle United
- Ricardo is aware that Everton are likely to be a tough opponent at King Power Stadium
- However, the City full back says the whole squad is determined to make 2018/19 a succession season
The Portugal international, 24, is already a popular member of Claude Puel’s squad after joining from FC Porto in the summer and has made seven appearances for City this season.
As the Foxes chase a fourth consecutive victory in all competitions, Ricardo says optimism is high that the Club can enjoy a positive campaign in the Premier League.
“We know Everton will have a good team, good players, a good coach,” the City full back said.
“We have to be at our best to take the three points. We [will] play at home, that will be important, with our fans, and we’ll do our best to get the three points.
Training Special: Everton
Spirits were high at Belvoir Drive as the Foxes prepare to face Everton on Saturday...
“I am here to do my best to help the team achieve our goals. I think we can do a good season. We have good players, we are playing well and I think we can improve and continue doing good things.
“This year could be very good for us.”
Ricardo, who represented his country at the FIFA World Cup earlier this year, also provided some background on visiting boss Marco Silva, who many have tipped for success at Everton.
He added: “He’s very good, he did a good work with a small club (Estoril). They came from the Championship in Portugal (LigaPro) and moved up and did very well.
“Then he went to Sporting, where he won the [Taça de Portugal]. He did good work, he is a coach who players like playing for and the things he is trying to do are very good.”
Ricardo’s versatility, meanwhile, has been a particularly useful tool for Puel in the early weeks of the new season and his performances at both right back and on the wing have caught the eye.
“When I was young, I played as a winger and then I played at full-back,” he explained.
“There was a time at Porto when we had some injuries and the coach put me in the left side. I played two or three games that season in that position at Porto and then I went to Nice.
“When I arrived there [with Puel as manager], the left-back was injured so I started to play there. I played maybe 15 games in left back and that was it.
“I think I have good things to play in these positions. It’s different when you play in the front or the back, but it’s good to try to do my best, [to] help the team the way the coach wants.
“It’s important to play, that’s the most important thing, to help the team.”
Live coverage of City's encounter with Everton begins at 1pm BST on LCFC Radio with Pre-Match Pint before Matchday Live starts an hour before kick-off.