Petty: We’re Raring To Go
- Leicester City’s Development Squad are at HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens in Hong Kong
- The competition begins with the group stages being played out on Saturday
- Coach Ben Petty previewed the tournament and City’s upcoming opposition
- Newcastle United are in the Foxes’ group, one of several British sides present
Since arriving in East Asia earlier this week, the task of acclimatising to humid conditions and the change in rules has been a challenging one, but the squad have been able to settle into the rhythm with a friendly fixture against Chun Fung.
And ahead of the competition getting underway, LCFC TV caught up with City’s coach to gain insight into the preparations for what will be an intense two-day contest.
“We’re struggling with the heat,” Petty admitted. “I think it takes a few days to adapt to a different time zone and a different game. The heat is frightening, it’s very difficult. It’s really going to test them over the weekend.
An Introduction To HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens
LCFC TV presenter Sam Jones explains the format of the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens tournament.
“It’s also different rules – no offsides and very much a transitional game, which is something we don’t really practice in the season. But we’ve had two really good days of training and I think the lads are up for it.
“It’s a good test for them, like it will be for all the other clubs as well that are out here trying to win it. A lot of the teams that we’re going to play we’ve played in the league this season – Fulham, Brighton and obviously we know about Aston Villa.
“It’s really good opposition and obviously the foreign opposition that we’re going to play as well. We’re really looking forward to it. It’s got a little bit of everything.”
Placed in Group C alongside holders Newcastle United, as well as local sides HKFC and Captain’s Select, the Foxes are vying to reach Sunday’s Main Cup quarter-finals and ultimately regain the trophy they have previously claimed on two occasions.
Although a different format, they are entering the competition in good form, having beaten Everton on the final day of the Premier League 2 Division 1 season, after drawing at Manchester United three days earlier.
Petty continued: “We’ve got to try and stop them (Newcastle) winning it again. They’ve won it the last two times. There’s been a gap because of COVID-19, but they are the last winners.
A Real Test In The Heat, Says Petty
Catching up with Ben Petty prior to the Leicester City Development Squad's first game of the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens.
“It’s a tough group with the two local teams who know the game. They are used to the conditions. Let’s hope we have a good Saturday and move into Sunday.
“We finished the season in a much better place in terms of results and we want to build on that and take those performances from the last two or three games of the season into Hong Kong Soccer Sevens.”
Played at the scenic Hong Kong Football Club, it’s a familiar setting for Petty and some of the backroom team, but a new experience for all but one of the players.
“It’s a wonderful place,” the 46-year-old added. “The way you are treated at Hong Kong Football Club is second to none. It’s a fantastic facility. I think we have the benefit that some of the staff have been before, and we can give that experience to the group, but as for the players, there’s only Lewis [Brunt] who has played it, so it’s a new game to them.”