We’re Heading In The Right Direction, Says Pérez

- Ayoze Pérez says he is optimistic for Leicester City in the second half of the 2019/20 campaign
- Leicester head into the New Year second in the Premier League standings
- City will push until the end of the season to achieve something special, according to Pérez

The Foxes begin 2020 with a trip to St. James’ Park to face Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United, where Pérez spent five seasons between 2014 and 2019.

With a new challenge well underway for the Spaniard, he says City showed professionalism in their last Premier League fixture after suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time this term.

Pérez said: “It’s been an unbelievable half of the season. We’ve still got tough periods coming up, but we are in the right way.

“We are doing well and we’re in such a great position. We have to look after that and push until the end, because we can do something special.

“Every day we’re working hard, and it proved [against West Ham] how professional the lads are.

“Sometimes, when you’re not playing or not involved, it’s not easy, but then you get a chance.

“The lads had the mental strength to perform like we did. We went to a tough place after two defeats, so it’s not an easy situation. We did the job.”

City’s most recent outing against the Magpies resulted in them registering their biggest-ever Premier League win before, with the help of a Pérez hat-trick, they eclipsed that record with a stunning 9-0 victory over Southampton less than a month later.

Looking back to City's success against Newcastle, Pérez said of his former side: “They were not getting many results, many points.

“They were at the bottom, but I’m pleased that they are getting a couple of wins and they are getting some points.

“They are now in a much more comfortable position. Now, it’s time to play against us.

“It’s going to be tough, I’ve got no doubt about it, but if we give our best, we can get the win.”