Enzo Maresca refrained from making more than two substitutions during Leicester City’s loss to Leeds, despite their pursuit of an equalizer.
Maresca witnessed his team’s winning streak come to an end on Friday evening when Leeds, fellow contenders for promotion, secured a 1-0 victory at the King Power Stadium. With half an hour remaining to respond to Georginio Rutter’s goal, the team only managed to create one significant opportunity, with Illan Meslier thwarting Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s header during added time.
Although Maresca brought on Kelechi Iheanacho for Jamie Vardy immediately after conceding the goal and introduced Hamza Choudhury for Cesare Casadei in the 67th minute, shifting Ricardo Pereira further up the field, he did not consider substituting to introduce fresh energy in the pursuit of a goal. City had attacking options in the form of Kasey McAteer, Wanya Marcal, Marc Albrighton, and Patson Daka on the bench.
When asked if he had contemplated making additional substitutions, Maresca responded, “No. Honestly, I believe the two we made were sufficient.”
Further asked if he had not even considered McAteer, who has showcased both energy and a goal-scoring threat this season, Maresca replied, “No, because we were satisfied with the contributions of the two wingers who were posing a threat. Making another substitution would have been a change merely for the sake of making one.”
Although not as prominent as in the first half, Abdul Fatawu continued to create chances for City, with the Ghanaian providing the assist for Dewsbury-Hall’s late opportunity.
This match marked the fewest number of substitutions Maresca has made in a Championship game this season. He has fully utilized his allowance of five changes in six out of City’s 15 league fixtures.
