Leicester manager Claude Puel apologises to fans after West Ham loss
Saturday 5 May 2018 19:04, UK
Claude Puel has apologised to Leicester fans after Saturday's defeat to West Ham, calling boos at full-time a "normal" reaction.
The Foxes put in another lacklusture display in the 2-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium, and are now without a win in five Premier League games as well as the last six on home turf.
At both the half and full-time whistles, there were boos from the home fans at the display, and Puel has recognised that the performance was not good enough.
"I think it is normal [the fan reaction] because it is a tough period with some negativity and blame," he told Sky Sports.
"I would like to apologise for the last performance because it is not enough and we have to finish strongly in the last two games.
"We have to give another feeling to our fans because they have been fantastic all season with the players. They deserve to finish strongly and we want to give them a boost, a fire and fight for the last two games.
"We know it is a tough period with the injuries and suspensions but we have to finish this season with good energy and tempo and at the moment, it is not enough from us.
"It was a tough situation in October when we came in. We tried to put a style in place and we got some good results with a strong defence with quality, a lot of chances, a lot of goals and the players played at their best level.
"After we were safe in the Premier League, we tried to give good ambitions to take the seventh place for Europe but I think it was too much for us, with some problems in the squad.
"The winter transfer window was difficult for us and perhaps it didn't make a good dynamic. After, it was tough with the project of Europe. We didn't manage to keep a good focus or concentration on our game and it is a pity because I think the club, owners, fans deserve to finish this season strongly.
"The squad played well, they gave their best and it is shame to finish this edition without energy in our play."
Before the game, Leicester chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha came out in support of Puel - and urged the fans to do the same - but Puel would not be drawn on his plans for the club over the summer.
"We know we have hard work in the summer transfer window but I think it is not after this game to speak about this," he added.
"The most important thing is to try and maintain or regain the good feeling and mentality to finish last two game. We play good teams in Arsenal and Tottenham.
"I think we can have a good feeling and ambition back. This is a good team with motivation and I hope to have this for the next two games."
