Leicester Train In Southern Italy As Group Stage Decider Looms
After a mid-morning departure from the United Kingdom, Club officials and first-team stars arrived at their hotel later that afternoon as the Bay of Naples was hit by a wintery torrent and strong winds. Nevertheless, media commitments and open training awaited Leicester City in the evening.
A short walk through the bowels of Napoli's home venue was all it took for captain Kasper Schmeichel to arrive into the Italian outfit's media facilities. A hero of City's 2016/17 UEFA Champions League run to the last-eight, the Dane was also recently voted seventh in the prestigious Yashin Trophy.
Leicester's No.1 is a goalkeeper with considerable European and international acumen, but the 35-year-old admitted occasions such as the one which will unfold in Naples on Thursday still excite him. Brendan Rodgers' Group C leaders still need one more positive result to ensure safe passage from their pool.
"European football is something special," the Denmark shot-stopper told the assembled media. "Getting to come to stadiums like this and have nights like tomorrow is something we want. The fans enjoy occasions like this. European nights are slightly different to usual so we're looking forward to it.
"These games are something you should look forward to and relish and enjoy. It’s not something you do every day. Just enjoy it. Don’t be nervous. Go out there and do your thing."
Rodgers was next up on the top table, taking shelter from the rainy, yet mild, conditions outside. The Foxes manager, who earlier had confirmed that several of his players will be absent through illness, was keen to highlight his side's status as leaders of a hugely competitive pool.
"Our fate is in our own hands, that’s important," the Northern Irishman said. "If we win the game, we top the group and, if we don’t lose, we qualify from there. We’re really positive in our mindset.
"We had a really good performance against Napoli at home and we know they’re an excellent team who have done really well in their domestic league. It’s a challenge we want to embrace and one we look forward to."
Outside, the travelling squad benefited from a lull in the downpour as the international media gathered in the stands to watch City's training session from afar. On a pitch which hosted England's quarter-final tie against Cameroon in Italia 90, the Foxes were able to perfect their tactical stratagem.
Twenty-four hours later, Leicester City will emerge onto the field, alongside Napoli, with three huge European points up for grabs.