Barradell: We Want To Finish On A High
- Leicester City Under-18s conclude their season with an away fixture against Aston Villa
- The U18 Premier League fixture will be played at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground
- Saturday’s clash has a 11am BST kick-off in the Midlands
- The season has been a good one for development, says Adam Barradell
This weekend sees City’s Under-18s complete their 2023/24 U18 Premier League campaign with a trip to Bodymoor Heath Training Ground to face Aston Villa.
Looking to end positively and break a run of four defeats on the bounce, Barradell believes the team are determined heading into Saturday's game.
“We’re looking to finish the season well,” the coach stated. “The last few weeks have had some mixed performances and not the results we’d want, but going into this weekend, we want to finish positively.
“A lot of the boys that will play will be moving into the Development Squad, so Ben Petty will be taking the game as well. It’s great for him to see the boys in such close proximity and it shows the collaboration between us as staff.”
The coach also talked about the togetherness throughout the whole Academy, in particular with Ben Petty, coach of the Under-21s, who will be helping to manage the game this weekend, as he gets a first close-up look at some of the players.
“We prepare for the game like we normally do,” Barradell continued. “But of course it’ll be a little different with Ben [Petty] taking the game. They may be exposed to a little bit more work that comes with the Development Squad, but it’s usual for the Academy to go through this process.
“We’ll still be expecting the same way of playing and intensity so that we can put in a good performance, end on a high and solidify our position in the league.”
Currently eighth in the standings, a win against second from bottom Villa will see them cement their position just below mid-table, which Barradell believes would be a respectful finish, and a good way to sign off the season.
He added: “I think it’s important, it’s good for the boys’ morale and confidence going into next year, so hopefully we’ll finish with a win. Aston Villa are a team close to us in location so it’s always nice to get one over your neighbours.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to. It’s been a positive year for the Academy, seeing players come through from the Under-16s who have done well and transitioned into the Under-18s, so we’re looking forward to next season and working with the new group.”
Discussing the season as a whole, Barradell explained how it has been beneficial in terms of development, with several players already making their way through to the older age group, and even appearing on the bench for the First Team.
He was also keen to commend the Under-16s on their recent U16 Premier League Cup victory over Manchester City at King Power Stadium on Monday evening.
“It’s fantastic for the Academy,” the coach voiced. “A real congratulations to the staff that have worked with the group of lads, because it’s a lot of hard work that’s gone into the team, and it’s great to see them move into the professional development phase.
“Overall, the season has been fantastic in terms of varied experiences and development. Some of the individual development we’ve seen in the players is really promising.
“You’ve seen the likes of Logan Briggs get on the bench for the First Team in the Emirates FA Cup; he’s had a good impact going into the Development Squad. So has Mirsad Ali, Jayden Joseph, Bobby Amartey and Olabade Aluko.
“There’s been some good performances and good results, so it bodes well going into next season, and as a group of staff, we’re really excited to work with the new first year scholars coming in.”