Leicester City faces a critical test as they gear up to clash with Rotherham, the reigning Championship leaders’ manager, Enzo Maresca, has emphasized the importance of avoiding overconfidence during the encounter against the division’s lowest-ranking team.
Maresca cautioned his team against underestimating the upcoming game, labeling it as their “toughest challenge of the season” in an effort to sidestep a recurrence of past stumbles.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s match (3 pm) against Rotherham, the Championship’s cellar-dwellers, Maresca’s squad is vying for a fifth consecutive triumph. Meanwhile, Rotherham has struggled, failing to secure a victory in their last ten outings. However, the underdogs have managed to secure draws against teams like Ipswich and Leeds, demonstrating their potential to upset even the strongest teams in the league. Leicester’s previous encounter with a bottom-ranked team, Sheffield Wednesday, resulted in one of their poorest showings and a dropped points after conceding a late equalizer.
Maresca, speaking at a press conference, underscored the significance of the impending match, emphasizing, “For sure, 100 per cent it will be the most difficult game of the season, no doubt.” He pointed out that Rotherham’s ability to secure draws against major opponents like Leeds and Ipswich highlights that their position at the bottom of the table may not reflect their full capabilities.
The team, despite a run of successful games, must be cautious, as evident from their previous experience against Sheffield Wednesday. Maresca stressed that the forthcoming match is expected to be a stern test, cautioning against complacency.
In terms of injuries, City had been fortunate earlier in the season; however, the current scenario presents a different challenge, as the team’s key players, including Jamie Vardy and Kasey McAteer, are sidelined for several weeks. News of their prolonged absence arrives at a crucial juncture, with four games awaiting City within a span of 10 days. The absence of key players has narrowed down options, placing additional pressure on the squad.
Looking ahead, there’s a growing need for Vardy’s return, especially as the team braces for the departure of Patson Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho due to the Africa Cup of Nations. As it stands, City faces the prospect of having limited senior striking options, making Vardy’s return a pressing requirement.
