‘Confidence Has Returned’ – Faes Ahead Of Cherries Contest

- Leicester City travel to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday
- Foxes defender Wout Faes previewed the 3pm kick-off with LCFC TV
- He sees the win over Nottingham Forest as a catalyst to move forward
- City will have to be on their game to get the better of the Cherries

A 4-0 triumph over Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest on Monday evening secured the Foxes’ maiden victory of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, a scoreline which also saw Brendan Rodgers’ side maintain a clean sheet for the first time this term.

For home debutant Faes, the shutout carried significance for confidence within the backline, while the atmosphere generated under the lights at King Power Stadium is one he hopes can be replicated in future weeks, based on improved on-pitch performances.

“Obviously we needed the result on Monday night - that was amazing,” he told LCFC TV this week. “In terms of my personal game, and then the result, it was a perfect night. Also, for the fans I think it was much needed and to be able to do this in a derby game, in the way we did it, with a 4-0 win, this was an incredible feeling.

“It brings confidence. You feel the confidence has come back straight away. I think the games that we played weren’t bad, but obviously you need the points. It was the first game at home to see this atmosphere, I want to see it more. This is very nice and for me as a player, it stimulates me even more to give 100 per cent.

“It’s teamwork first of all, but then obviously when we were winning, we were always wanting to keep it (the clean sheet), because it’s quite important too, to have some confidence and build a streak in the team.”

While results have been mixed since the imposing centre-back arrived from Ligue 1 outfit Reims last month, including on debut against Tottenham Hotspur, Faes revealed he has been able to settle in quickly to life at Leicester.

Giving an insight into his first month at the Club, the 24-year-old continued: “I’m enjoying it. When I came in, from the first moment it was very familiar actually. The guys and staff, they integrated me into the group really well and I can speak with everyone.

“We didn’t play a bad game (vs. Spurs) but obviously we got punished on a few mistakes. I think that’s what happens at the highest level, but for me personally, I was quite happy with the first game.”

Now off the foot of the top-flight standings, the defender believes City can start to look forward, but knows no game is easy in the Premier League, as they prepare for the next challenge at Vitality Stadium, against the newly promoted Cherries.

“It’s going to be an important game,” the Belgium international added. “If we can add a win again, this can really be the kickstart for the season and make us look forward.

“That’s the most important thing. After that, in the game, we just have to play our way of football, like we always do it, and then we can have a good result.

“I love to be here. Every game is a top game, and you have to be 100 per cent in every game and that’s what I like and what the team have to bring. I’m sure we’ll be able to do that.”