A Platform To Build On, Says Rodgers

- Brendan Rodgers reflects on Leicester City’s 2-0 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday
- The Foxes finished fifth in the 2019/20 Premier League table
- Jamie Vardy won the Premier League Golden Boot after scoring 23 goals in 2019/20

The Foxes were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United at King Power Stadium on the final day of the season, finishing fifth in the division.

City’s second-highest placing in the Premier League saw them seal only their fifth European campaign, and Rodgers says the target will be to build upon their 2019/20 efforts.

“I thought right up until we conceded the penalty, our plan was working well,” Rodgers told LCFC TV. “We knew their threat with their pace and running ability in behind, so we had to counter that by defending a little bit deeper. I thought we contained it very, very well.

“We didn't have too many shots against us, but we were also quite a threat in the counter-attacking moments. So, yes, I thought we were good in the first half, we just needed a little bit more quality in the final third.

“Second half, we started well and again, we looked like we could threaten. But, of course, we then give away the penalty, and from that point on, it's difficult because you’re having to really then chase the game and try to find the two goals.

“Overall, yes, we're disappointed, we're hurt because this was the final opportunity to arrive in the Champions League. But I said to the players, you've done fantastic throughout the season.

“We need to improve the level of ambition in terms of our work, improve the consistency of the work but we've got a great platform this season to hopefully improve and develop for next [season].”

City’s run to the latter stages of both the Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and their final league standing in 2019/20, means the Blue Army will be optimistic ahead of the new campaign, according to Rodgers.

“We went all in in every competition,” he said. “We [got to] the semi-final of the League Cup, quarter-final of the FA Cup, and obviously we've taken it right down to the last game to arrive in the Champions League.

“So yes, it just wasn't to be for us, but over 38 games, we finished fifth, second highest in the history of the Club in terms of the Premier League, apart from the incredible season.

“So even though there will be disappointment, I'm sure there will be gratification of the supporters if they were in the stadium today. I'm sure they'd be giving the players a huge round of applause and then look forward to next season.”

Rodgers congratulated his No.9, Jamie Vardy, for winning the Premier League Golden Boot after his 23 goals fired him to the prize – the first Fox ever to do so.

“I think Jamie's been outstanding for us - our Player of the Season,” Rodgers added. “He knows he can't do it without his team-mates, but he also knows, and the team know, that they couldn't have done it without him and challenge.

“So, 23 goals for everything that he brings, I'm absolutely delighted for him and obviously we're all very happy for him.”