Leicester City manager, Claude Puel has shot another look back at the recent heroics of Kelechi Iheanacho in the English FA Cup victory against Fleetwood Town, and says it was all because the lad keeps working hard to improve.
Puel admitted it has not been easy for Iheanacho settling down at King Power Stadium, especially as he was hit by hit injury soon after his arrival from Manchester City, but said the youngster has been able to ward off frustration and disappointment by staying focused.
Casting his mind ahead of this weekend’s fixture against Peterborough United in the next stage of the competition, Puel said Iheanacho may still pop up with another surprise, just as he did by scoring twice against Fleetwood.
Iheanacho joined the Foxes for £25m in the summer from Manchester City but has struggled to establish himself at the club.
He, however, powered the Foxes to the fourth round of the FA Cup after he scored a brace against Fleetwood Town, and Puel is hopeful that the goals will boost the forward’s form and confidence.
Puel said: “I think it was fantastic for him and the squad, that he scored two quality goals. I was happy with his performance from the beginning of that game. He showed his quality and his use of the ball – and he scored two good goals.
“He works hard on the pitch and this is the most important thing for a young player because sometimes he may get frustrated and disappointed.
“It is good for his confidence. It was a good performance and I hope it gives him some consistency and confidence.
“It will do him good. It was important he gave a good response and now he has to continue this hard work. Any game time he can score a goal it is a good thing.
“I think Kelechi has kept a very positive attitude on the training ground, without game time and sometimes not being in the squad.
“It is important to always keep a positive attitude and outlook and continue his hard work, especially for a young player because they must be patient to get game time. He is a good example.
“Sometimes it is difficult to give all the game time to some of the players because for example we have six strikers in his position.
“Without a good balance in the squad it is difficult to manage all these players and continue to improve them.
“It will be important in this transfer window to find this good balance and I hope Kelechi will get more game time in the future.”
