Claude Puel insists he is not under pressure at Leicester City
Friday 4 May 2018 15:22, UK
Claude Puel said he does not feel under pressure after Leicester City's owners flew to the training ground to offer the Foxes boss their support earlier today.
Leicester suffered a third defeat in four games with a 5-0 loss to Crystal Palace last weekend and welcome West Ham to the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
Puel admitted his players had underperformed at Selhurst Park, but made it clear he intends to finish the season strongly with the Foxes.
Puel said: "I'm not under pressure. I'm pragmatic, just this.
"I know my work, I know what we need to do, what we want for the end of the season, for next season, but of course it's important to try and bring together this energy.
"It's a normal thing at the end of the season to try to bring together all the energy for the last games.
"It is good to have this good support from our owner to support all the staff and players."
Puel suggested Leicester's current poor form may be a price they have to pay for future development, with nine players out injured at the weekend giving an opportunity for more fringe players to start.
The Leicester manager also indicated Srivaddhanaprabha's visit was as much to offer support to the whole club and help the Foxes kick on with their final three games of the season.
Puel said: "We have to endure this short-term pain for long-term gain.
"It's not just about me, it's support for all people in the club.
"He has confidence in all the people working for him and he gave his support because we did not show enough quality in our last games and we have to correct this make amends.
Looking back at the defeat to Crystal Palace, Puel said: "At the end we didn't have enough strength to resist and adapt to difficult situations against Crystal Palace and didn't have that focus and concentration from before.
"We need that focus and with the team to finish strongly this season."
A potential boost to the club was Riyad Mahrez's announcement he had removed the transfer request he lodged in January, although the Algeria international refused to rule out a move away from the King Power.
There was also speculation over assistant manager Michael Appleton's position after he was linked with the West Brom job.
But Puel was cool on the prospect of anyone from the club heading for the exit door: "None of the players or the staff are on the transfer list this summer, it's not just Riyad."
