Ranieri: In Front Of Us Was A Wall

- The Foxes went 2-0 down after just 12 minutes through goals from Étienne Capoue and Roberto Pereyra 

- Riyad Mahrez pulled one back from the spot but the Foxes weren’t able to force an equaliser despite piling on the pressure 

- The manager urges his side to use their frustration to fire them to victory against Club Brugge next time out 

Despite suffering two early setbacks, Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri says his Leicester City side deserved a point in their narrow 2-1 Premier League defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road. 

Étienne Capoue scored after just 35 seconds to put the Hornets in front before a wonder strike from Roberto Pereyra doubled that lead after just 12 minutes – giving the Foxes a tough task to rescue something from the match. 

They responded well however, and Riyad Mahrez pulled one back from the penalty spot after Miguel Britos brought down Jamie Vardy inside the area – but despite a huge effort after the break, they were unable to draw level. 

Although disappointed with defeat, Ranieri saw in his team a spirit that gives him plenty of encouragement going forward into a key UEFA Champions League clash with Club Brugge at King Power Stadium on Tuesday. 

He told LCFC TV: “[I feel] A lot of frustration because after the two goals we reacted very well. I’m very proud of my players because the spirit was fantastic and also our fans pushed behind us. We wanted to draw the match but in front of us was a wall. A wall that stopped all our shots at goal. 

“We conceded a goal after 35 seconds and the second after 12 minutes. That was the key of the match. But we reopened the match with our score and the battle after was very difficult because they closed all the space and did their best. 

“We tried to do our best and I think until the very end there was a chance and an opportunity to score a goal. For this reason, I am very happy for our performance. Of course, I am happy because when you play in this way you deserve to draw the match. 

“It’s not easy when you start the match and your opponent scores two fantastic goals, but we reacted and that for me is important. 

“All our frustrations we have to use for Club Brugge.”