Barnes Looking To Maintain City's High Levels

First Team
19 Mar 2022
2 Minutes
Keeping momentum flowing into the final months of the season is the priority for Leicester City, says Harvey Barnes.

- Harvey Barnes previews Leicester City's home clash with Brentford on Sunday (2pm GMT kick-off)
- The Foxes head into the clash on the back of securing progression in Europe
- Barnes says the squad are determined to build on recent performances over the coming weeks

City return to Premier League responsibilities on Sunday against Brentford at King Power Stadium after getting over the line in a last-16 tie against Rennes in the UEFA Europa Conference League. A last-eight tie against PSV Eindhoven is their reward, but domestic duties are back on the agenda beforehand.

Barnes played the full 90 minutes of the second leg in France on Thursday and, with the Foxes enjoying four consecutive victories before last weekend's reverse at Arsenal, the England international is determined to maintain their high performance levels.

"Over the past month or so, we’ve had some really good results and performances to go with that as well," Leicester's No.7 told LCFC TV. "I think we’re starting to show the level that we know we can get to as a team. The results will come with that. It’s another great opportunity to put that on show.

"We’ve been really good at home for parts of this year. We’re on a good run at the minute. It’ll be great to go and get another win there and the atmosphere over the last few weeks has been great at home and that’s down the results, the performances, and of course the fans.

"Hopefully we can continue that and put another show on and the three points is the main thing."

Sunday's clash with the Bees comes just three days after a pulsating European tie in Brittany and Barnes admits it's a schedule which presents unique challenges for the squad.

"It's difficult in the way the week’s structured," he explained. "You can’t get your standard training sessions in, which the gaffer might want to do. We have to work a little bit differently and make sure we’re recovering well after the games.

"With those short breaks, you have to give yourself the best chance to feel fresh going into the next game and all you can do is give 100 per cent. As a player, all you can do is focus on the next game and make sure you give your body the best chance."

The 24-year-old is excited by the test which Thomas Frank's visitors are likely to pose on Filbert Way. The Bees have picked up six points from their last two top-flight fixtures to move away from the relegation zone.

"They’ve had a mixed season," he said. "They’ve had some good results, some poor results, so you can’t take them lightly. You know it’s going to be a tough game. We had a tough game at their place. They didn’t make that easy for us, so we’ll need to be at it.

"I wasn’t playing, but watching on, you pick up different things. You can see the style they want to play and they play some really good football at times. As a team, we know defensively we’re going to have to be good. When we get the ball, then we can show the talent we have and the goal threat we have. 

"Our home form’s been really good and hopefully we can make the game as difficult as we can for them and go and get the goals we need to win the game."