An Off Day For Us, Says Leshabela
- Khanya Leshabela speaks following the Leicester City Development Squad’s first loss in seven
- The Foxes were beaten 3-1 by Tottenham Hotspur Under-23s at Lamex Stadium on Friday
- The midfielder provided the assist for Ethan Fitzhugh’s goal on a frustrating night for the Foxes
- Yago De Santiago Alonso, Alfie Devine and Lewis Brunt (o.g.) netted for the home side
The Foxes’ first defeat in seven Premier League 2 Division 1 games was confirmed by three first-half goals, with Yago De Santiago Alonso, Alfie Devine and a Lewis Brunt own goal moving the home side into a commanding position at the break.
Leshabela then provided the assist for Ethan Fitzhugh’s well-taken goal, which reduced the arrears on 84 minutes, but it was scored in vain as Spurs saw out the final minutes to claim victory at Lamex Stadium on Friday night.
Speaking after the final whistle, the 22-year-old felt it was that first 45 minutes which ultimately cost the visitors having a chance of taking anything out of the game, despite their late flurry of opportunities.
“Of course, we didn’t start the first half great,” he reflected to LCFC TV. “It was disappointing from our point of view and there wasn’t enough intensity, a lack of desire and we were just second to everything. Overall, it’s disappointing. We were just off it today.
“First half, we weren’t on it. At half-time, the gaffer (Ben Petty) told us he just wanted a reaction from us, and I think the second half was better. We did the minimum, working off the ball, picking up seconds, winning challenges, we did all that a lot better.
“We managed to win the second half. We got on the drop, and I think I must have picked it up and turned and picked out Fitzy (Ethan Fitzhugh), who finished well, which is what we should have been doing in the first half.”
Manchester United are up next in the league following on from the international break, as City host the Red Devils at King Power Stadium on Monday 4 April (7pm BST kick-off). The preparations for that game will begin in earnest.
On a personal level, Leshabela has started five of the last six PL2 fixtures since returning from his loan spell at Sky Bet League One side Shrewsbury Town, coming through his first 90 minutes against the Lilywhites this week.
“There’s always the next game,” the South Africa Under-23s international added. “I expect a reaction from us and I’m sure there will be a reaction. Of course, we’ll work towards that now, put this behind us. There’s room for much improvement so we’ll go for it.
“It’s good to be playing football again and playing regularly. I’m building up my fitness, getting a feel for the ball, and just being around the younger boys, helping them out as well. So, it’s good to be back.”