Claude Puel criticises Leicester's lack of tempo in loss to Newcastle
Saturday 7 April 2018 18:50, UK
Claude Puel criticised his Leicester players for their lack of "tempo and rhythm" after seeing his side beaten 2-1 by Newcastle at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester were second best for much of the contest, with Newcastle strolling to a 2-0 lead after goals from Jonjo Shelvey and Ayoze Perez.
Jamie Vardy did pull one back with six minutes left, but Newcastle saw out the win that dents Leicester's outside hopes of qualifying for the Europa League and they are now without a home win since January 20.
"Our performance was not good enough in the first half," Puel told Sky Sports. "There was no tempo, no rhythm.
"There was a good reaction in the second half like we did against Brighton [last week] but this time we cannot come back in the game.
"Last game we were lucky to come back in the second half. Today it was not enough.
"We have to work to correct this. We have to work together and to play the next game with a good feeling. We need to play from the beginning of the game.
"We have the quality to come back into the game in the second half, but we have to correct this and start games well.
Puel was also unhappy with referee Stuart Attwell's decision not to award Leicester a penalty in the first half after Riyad Mahrez appeared to be felled.
"This penalty can help us to come back in the game. It was in a good moment and would help us push on," Puel added. "It could change the way of the game."
