Barnes Targeting Leicester Landmark As Legia Looms

- Harvey Barnes was on media duties ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Europa League match against Legia Warsaw
- The Foxes trained at Stadion Wojska Polskiego on the eve of their second Group C game
- Barnes could become the Club’s highest goalscorer in European competition should he find the net

The Foxes are in the Polish capital for their second UEFA Europa League Group C fixture, having drawn 2-2 with Napoli on Filbert Way earlier this month.

Barnes, City’s joint-top goalscorer in European competition with four strikes to his name, spoke of the pride he would feel if he was able to become the Club’s outright top scorer on Thursday night. However, he insisted progress from Group C is his top priority with his boyhood side. 

Barnes told the media at Stadion Wojska Polskiego: “I think as we saw last year and playing in it last year, you realise it’s a great competition and it's a great opportunity to play in it.

“I had some great games in it and at the start of the season. To get my first goal of the season [against Napoli] was great. Hopefully, I can continue that tomorrow.

“I didn’t actually see it (his European record) myself, someone made me aware of it and it would be nice to top that chart but there’s a lot of games left in the competition.

“This season, we want to go as far as we can, so there will be a lot of opportunities to get to the top of that and hopefully extend it.”

Alongside Leicester’s domestic campaign, Barnes emphasised the importance of the Foxes displaying their intent against a Legia Warsaw side that beat Spartak Moscow in their opening group match.

“As a player, it’s a great opportunity to go and showcase as a team and individually how good we are,” explained the Academy graduate.

“It’s a big stage to play on, every player will tell you that. As a team, the further we can progress in the competition, it’s great for the Club.”

Despite missing the final three months of the season with a knee problem, Barnes enjoyed his best goalscoring campaign for the Club in 2020/21, and headed into this term with a strong belief in his ability.

“I always believed and knew that I was a good finisher and I could score goals, it was just about having that confidence that even though I've previously been in the Championship and stepping up a league, it’s different but as a player that bit doesn’t change,” he said.

“Even though you’re playing at the highest level, you’re still good at what you’re good at and it’s about having the patience.”