We Need To Get Back To Basics, Says Barradell
- Leicester City Under-18s beaten 6-1 by Southampton last weekend
- Coach Adam Barradell admits it was a disappointing performance
- City’s youngsters face an Under-18s Premier League Cup Group stage game against Blackburn Rovers
- Kick-off is at 12:30pm on Saturday 5 November at LCFC Training Ground
A Reece Evans second-half goal wasn’t enough to prevent a clinical Southampton side from taking all three points against Leicester’s youngsters in U18 Premier League South, last Saturday.
Speaking to LCFC.com after the game, Barradell gave his thoughts on the defeat: “We didn’t do the basics well enough, and we didn’t defend well enough, individually and as a team. Southampton punished us, especially in the second half.
“To only go into half-time 1-0 down, we were fortunate really. Looking at the performance, it’s certainly one we need to get over quickly, and get back to basics like we were the week before against Crystal Palace. It was a disappointing performance and result ultimately.”
Focusing on the positives, the coach spoke about the plans moving forward: “We don’t look too far ahead, we concentrate on the game, learning from last weekend against Southampton, ensuring we put in a better performance next time.
“It’s important we all have our eyes on the long-term development of these players, and at these ages, although we want consistency, it’s not always easy to achieve. But it’s important that as coaches and staff, we are working hard to push players through to that Under-21s Development Squad.”
Up next for the young Foxes is a home fixture, against Blackburn Rovers in the U18 Premier League Cup. With both sides currently looking for a first win in the competition, Barradell believes it could be the perfect opportunity to give minutes to certain players.
“We’re looking forward to it," he added. "They’re not in our league so we don’t usually play them, so it’s great to play against another opposition.
“Obviously, a good cup game, which, looking at the bigger picture, we probably can’t get through so it may be an opportunity for some different players to play, but we're certainly looking forward to it.”
All times GMT.