Rick Passmore has called for his Leicester City side to ‘feel comfortable, being uncomfortable.’ He also praised his number one goalkeeper Janina Leitzig after his Foxes side hung in there against the champions and were unlucky not to steal a point.
When Rick Passmore took interim charge of Leicester City there was little expected of the Foxes. They remained favourites for relegation but slowly that opinion is changing. Victory last week against Liverpool was followed up by a defiant performance at the home of the champions.
After the narrow defeat Rick Passmore spoke to the media and The Halfway Line was there to hear from him.
‘Can we do that again in our next game?’ Rick Passmore challenges Foxes
So often consistency in performances is the challenge for sides battling at the bottom of the table. This was an impressive showing from Leicester and their head coach is looking for more performances of that ilk.
“We were saying that things aren’t defining us at the moment, we’ve been in the building three weeks.” Passmore said.
“So it’s then implementing a scheme of work that the players feel comfortable being uncomfortable, really pushing the boundaries, technically, tactically, as well as physically for them.
“And every day they come in, and they work really hard. They’re a solid base of people, players that we’re looking to develop. Obviously, in the first few weeks, we did a lot more to do with in possession because I think if you look at the foundation laid previously, they were hard to beat.
“They’re solid. They worked hard together, and we just want to look at developing that so that we have more possession and potentially attacking phases for ourselves. So it’s a positive step forward. We have to be consistent now, and ask can we do that again in our next game?”
Janina Leitzig is ‘absolutely first class’ praises Passmore
Leicester were still in with a chance of stealing a point late on because of the goalkeeping heroics of Janina Leitzig. The German keeper made seven saves, with three coming inside the box.
“[Janina Leitzig was] absolutely first class” Passmore explained. “I’m just saying in terms of in around the building, she’s a joy to have, the way that she has created the culture of ownership for the players, because you’re not in every room all the time.
“How much she enjoys being at Leicester City. I had my first one to one with her this week, and just the biggest smile, because she enjoys working. She enjoys being part of that goalkeeper union that love to save and dive around, all those things probably from her childhood.
“When you’re playing your Chelseas, your Arsenals, you need everybody having an A game. And I think we did really well in front of her, bar and potentially a goal that we’ll have a look at and have a debate on the bus on the way back.
“So it was more long range shots and obviously she pulled out top class saves. And I think that though mirror images, probably all 11 players, plus the bench, of what their contribution is.
“Obviously you see the 90 minutes, it’s like how we built this week, how we then conducted ourselves overnight traveling, ensuring that we’re professional, ensuring that we were focused, ready for today. And that’s a culture shift that the whole group have to buy into and deliver.”
Rick Passmore provides injury updates
For the first time in a Rick Passmore Leicester City match day squad, Noemi Mounchon and Chantelle Swaby featured. With Jutta Rantala coming off the bench for yet more minutes Leicester are approaching a full strength squad.
“They were injured when I came in” Passmore admitted. “So where we are with Chantelle [Swaby], she came back in training this week, so she’s done three sessions. So good to have her on the bench. I think there’s an opportunity coming up for her, but we need to ensure that, medically, physically, that she’s correct and right to play. So potentially a couple more sessions before we provide that opportunity.
“And Noemi she came back in the building, and I was delighted with what I saw. Particularly when you looked at her athleticism. So I haven’t seen much of her before, because obviously I just got flown in, dropped in, and I’m learning day by day.
“I was really pleased with what I’ve seen this week. And again, she’ll look to progress within training and potentially have more opportunities and be available for selection.”
Heather Payne has ‘thrown a marker down that she wants the shirt’ lauds Passmore
After the team sheet came out, the biggest surprise from a Leicester perspective was a first competitive start for Heather Payne. Payne acquitted herself well and formed part of a brilliant team performance from the Foxes.
“I think, when you look at her professionalism, when you look at her attitude, because it wasn’t until 24 hours ago, [I] potentially sat with her and said, we’ve got an opportunity” lauded Passmore.
“Because obviously, Sari Kees wasn’t fit and available to play. So she’s had more minutes in training, so therefore closer to the starting 11 than many others.
“Obviously, she comes with a wealth of experience from previous club and internationals. I think she used that maturity.
“And obviously when it’s your first full game, you’ve got that adrenaline rush as well. So I’m very, very pleased with what she’s done today, and thrown a marker down that she wants the shirt and wants to be at Leicester City.
“And again, like many of them in our changing room, they’re really good people, and it’s great to work with them.”
