Following the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City last night, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers admitted to Leicester Live that former City striker Kelechi Iheanacho had to convert his side’s best opportunity of the game.
Iheanacho has been the victim of criticism after failing to equalise for the Foxes – the Nigerian was through on goal but dragged his effort wide of the target. Leicester Boss Rodgers discussed the miss and what he told the striker. The defeat leaves Rodgers’ side in ninth position, they are now mathematically unable to qualify for the Europa League.
“He should score,” Rodgers said. “I said that to him afterwards. In the big games there are not many moments. It was a tight game. We were very good in our defensive organisation and they didn’t have many chances.
“We didn’t have many but the one that came you have to score that. He knows.
“He is a great boy and he works very hard in training. He has got in front of him a top class operator in Jamie so it is difficult for him to find rhythm in playing.
“However, there are moments like that when you can come on and make an impact. He has actually done that in other games. It was a big chance for him.”
OPINION
It comes as no surprise to see Iheanacho receiving criticism. He has failed to make the desired impact since arriving from Manchester City for £25 million and due to the circumstances surrounding City winning the league, he has not done himself any favours by missing that chance. With Jamie Vardy in inspired form, Iheanacho must provide the former with stiff competition to have any realistic chance of winning a starting place. The chance was a golden one and as Rodgers highlighted, those sort of moments are few and far between in games of such magnitude. Iheanacho is still only 22-years-old and has an extremely bright future ahead of him, but with just one goal all season, he is struggling to make a mark. Leicester have a squad mixed with experience and youth, with that in mind, it’s the best place for Iheanacho to learn and perfect his craft. Jamie Vardy is a player who can be used to help with Iheanacho’s progression.