This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
On the eve of their top-of-the-table clash with Premier League leaders Liverpool, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his team's readiness for the challenge. The match, scheduled for Thursday, will be a true test of where Leicester stands this season, according to Rodgers.
Leicester, currently second in the table, suffered a 2-1 defeat at Anfield in October, with James Milner scoring a stoppage-time penalty. Rodgers hoped that the home crowd would spur them on against a side that remains unbeaten in the league.
"It's another difficult game for us, but we're at home and we want to bring our true game," Rodgers told reporters. "The synergy between the players and fans is important, and we're looking to get that support from the fans to hopefully get the result."
With a 2-1 defeat by third-placed Manchester City on Saturday reducing the gap between the two teams to one point, Rodgers downplayed the title race, stating that there's a gap that's already difficult to overcome, given Liverpool's points tally.
"We still have a lot more to do to get to a level we want to be," Rodgers added. "I have a great perspective of where we are at, and we respect the level we are at. We were playing against a team that's one of the super clubs, and when they play to that level, it's very difficult for every team."
Rodgers also expressed hope that midfielder Harvey Barnes will be available for the game after injuring his ankle. "Hopefully he'll be back in training tomorrow," Rodgers said. "It's his ankle, but it's not as bad as first thought."
Published on December 24, 2019
