Barradell: Consistency Required To Get Back To Winning Ways
- Leicester City’s Under-18s drew 1-1 at Reading on Saturday afternoon
- Jack Butterfill scored the young Foxes’ goal at Bearwood Park Training Ground
- Adam Barradell felt the team dropped off in the second half to allow an equaliser
- He challenged City to reach a higher level of performance in the coming games
The Foxes youngsters added another point to their tally on Saturday, leaving Bearwood Park Training Ground with a third 1-1 stalemate from the last five games as Jack Butterfill’s opener was cancelled out late on by Kyle Daniel-Spray.
Leicester were knocked out of the U18 Premier League Cup in midweek, losing 2-0 to Fulham at LCFC Training Ground, but there looked to be no hangover from that defeat as they set about their work in Berkshire.
However, although showing encouraging signs in the first half, it was a frustrating watch for Barradell after the break as the visitors gave away the lead and were denied their first win in six league matches.
He commented to LCFC.com: “First half, we played well, we continued with the shape from the second half against Fulham and the boys did well, they executed the plan. I thought they showed the right mentality. But unfortunately, in the second half that dropped off, which was disappointing.
“Not often has the performance level dropped this season, but the second half on Saturday certainly did. We conceded late on, towards the end of the game. Our second-half performance wasn’t at the level that we expected. There were numerous things that I was slightly disappointed with.
“We didn’t defend as well as we have done, individually and as a team. Our organisation was a little bit loose. Ultimately, it was below the level.”
Jack Butterfill’s ninth league goal of 2021/22, and second successive strike away from home, was a positive to take from the game, with the forward stepping up to play a more prominent role in the team since Kian Pennant was ruled out for an extended spell on the sidelines through injury.
The result keeps Leicester inside the top half of the U18 Premier League South standings, having collected 35 points from 19 games, ahead of meeting Norwich City at The Lotus Training Centre on Saturday (12:30pm GMT kick-off).
“It’s great for Jack to get another goal,” City’s coach added. “And it just shows some of the development that has gone on with Jack. I’m pleased for him individually and it’s great for him to add to that league tally on Saturday.
“There’s lots of learning for the lads and plenty of games left to execute that development going forward. Having discussed that with the boys and the staff, we want to get back to that level we’ve been hitting throughout the season in the game on Friday against Norwich.”