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Claude Puel relieved as 'risk' pays off in Leicester win at Peterborough

 Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City looks on prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leicester City
Image: Claude Puel was relieved after making 10 changes for the FA Cup fourth-round clash

Leicester manager Claude Puel admitted it was a risk to field so many changes for his side's FA Cup fourth-round clash against Peterborough.

The Frenchman made 10 changes from the team that beat Watford in the Premier League last weekend, with Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy left on the bench.

But Puel's gamble paid off as the Foxes completed an impressive 5-1 win over the League One side, with Kelechi Iheanacho and Fousseni Diabate both scoring twice.

Asked if he feared the overhaul of his starting XI could backfire, Puel replied: "Yes, I am responsible. It is important to have a good ambition for the cup because it is an objective for us, but we have to improve and develop the squad.

"Of course, sometimes there is some risk, but it is important to build the team's strength for the future.

"The cup journey is a good reward for all the team. If we can continue our journey in this competition we have to have some quality and to keep a lot of players fresh."

PETERBOROUGH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27:  Fousseni Diabate of Leicester City celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal with Adrien Silva during The Emirates FA
Image: Fousseni Diabate scored twice on his Leicester debut

Diabate, the 22-year-old forward who arrived at the Foxes from Ligue 2 club Gazelec Ajaccio earlier this month, gave the visitors the lead after nine minutes before Iheanacho added a second moments later.

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The former Manchester City forward then doubled his tally with 29 minutes on the clock before Diabate and substitute Wilfred Ndidi completed the rout in the closing stages after Andrew Hughes had pulled one back for the hosts.

Diabate was making his first appearance for Leicester, and Puel praised the debutant following his impressive display.

"No one knew of him," Puel added. "He played in the French second division but I followed him a lot and I thought he can become a good opportunity for Leicester.

"He has good attributes to play in the Premier League with his pace, his good engine and penetration."

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