- Jamie Vardy says Leicester City would be thrilled to return to England with the Premier League Asia Trophy
- The Foxes contest the final at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday (1.30pm BST)
- City face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool for the chance to win the title
Beating West Bromwich Albion in their opening game, the Foxes face Liverpool at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday (1.30pm BST kick-off) in the final.
The City camp have stressed the importance of game time during pre-season on a regular basis, but Vardy knows bringing home a trophy would be brilliant for his side.
Assessing Wednesday’s game, Vardy said: “It was our first game, so I think the main thing was everyone getting 45 minutes under their belts and obviously to progress into the final on Saturday, where we might do the same thing again.
“At this part of the campaign, it’s all about getting the minutes. It was good, but the humidity makes it a lot tougher.
“It’s good preparation but no one’s at full pelt yet. It’s pre-season, although it’s in a tournament format. Everyone’s in the same boat trying to get the minutes. To progress and try and win the trophy at the end of it will be very good.
“We know the calibre of players that we’re up against and to play against them now to get you ready for the start of the season when you want to be at full pelt, hopefully it gives you an edge when it comes to them encounters.”
Vardy was one of seven Foxes on target during the penalty shootout – a nerve-racking moment for any player involved, whether taking a spot kick or not.
“It’s strange because I can’t just stand still,” said Vardy when reflecting on the moment his side were taking their penalties against the Baggies.
“I’m always having to have a chat to one of the lads to have a laugh and joke really to try and keep it not too serious. Nerves get into people when it comes to penalty shootouts.”
The squad are in good spirits at the hotel, enjoying a game of table tennis.
— Leicester City (@LCFC) July 20, 2017
Some interesting paddles on display 🏓🙈 pic.twitter.com/3i7zNxBJ0c
Leicester have enjoyed their downtime in Hong Kong, with an entertaining game of table tennis taking place on Thursday night.
“We had a little game of round the world and we’ve only got four bats,” said Vardy. “I think there was 15 of us so it was pick up any object you think you can hit the ping pong ball with and that was your bat of choice.
“Drinky (Danny Drinkwater) won a couple, Marc [Albrighton] won one and Yohan [Benalouane] won one. I was never going to win – I was playing with a cooking book – and Wilf [Ndidi] was never going to win because he was playing with some scales, but it was all good fun!
“It’s important because it gets that togetherness back up. There was a time when you do need to get away from it all and that happens in the off season, but as soon as you come back, you can see from that game, it’s all still there.”