Schmeichel’s Honest Assessment After Europa League Exit
- Kasper Schmeichel expresses his disappointment following Thursday’s 2-0 defeat by Slavia Prague at Leicester City Stadium
- The Foxes exited the UEFA Europa League at the Round of 32 stage after the second leg loss
- Schmeichel says City’s Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday is ‘massive’ for his side
The Foxes, after a 0-0 draw in Czech Republic last week, saw their fifth European campaign reach a conclusion on Thursday when Jindřich Trpišovský’s side won 2-0 on Filbert Way.
A goalless first half was swiftly followed by an opener from Lukáš Provod, before Abdallah Sima doubled their advantage with 11 minutes to play.
“[It is] very disappointing,” Denmark international shot-stopper Schmeichel told LCFC TV. “I don't think we can have too many complaints.
“I think we have to be brutally honest with ourselves, look over two legs, the better team won, which is a shame.
“They did a very good job today. We started the game well. They upped the intensity on their pressing which caused us some problems with retaining the ball, and [in the] second half, they just went for it.
“We were probably not quite as aggressive as we needed to be, which is very disappointing.
“I think it's too early right now to see any positives. It hurts right now, it stings and it will do for a while.”
The Foxes next face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday (12pm GMT kick-off), before back-to-back away fixtures against Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion.
“Football is relentless and we have a massive game on Sunday, so tonight is a time for hurting, tomorrow (Friday) we have to move on, even though it's difficult, even though we don't want to, we have to,” Schmeichel said.
“We're still in two competitions, we're still fighting in two big competitions, so that's got to be our focus now. Plain and simple.”
When asked whether Sunday’s match, just three days after their loss to Slavia Prague, comes at a good time, allowing City to bounce back quickly, he added: “I'd say probably yes.
"Physically, maybe not, particularly for outfield players who obviously put in a huge shift.
“But I think, mentally, it's a big thing for us to get back out there and have a chance to try and regain a little bit of pride.”