Maresca: A Great Effort
- Leicester City defeated Coventry City 2-1 at King Power Stadium on Sunday
- The Foxes earned three points to begin the Sky Bet Championship season
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored both Leicester goals in the second half
- Manager Enzo Maresca provided his post-match thoughts on the win
The Foxes overcame Coventry by two goals to one courtesy of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s late brace, coming from behind to defeat their M69 rivals at King Power Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Giving his account of a thrilling first game of 2023/24, City’s Manager came away pleased with the first-half performance and how the team reacted to going a goal down to Kyle McFadzean’s header.
“I think we had a very good first half in the way we want to play, creating some chances,” the Italian reflected after full-time. "To be honest, [in the] first half, we conceded a few shots but then we created chances to at least be 1-0 up.
“I was very happy in the way that we played and the way we created chances. Then, in the second half, after two minutes we conceded. The second half changed a little bit dynamically because of that.
“It’s normal that we then start to lose a little bit of balance, we started to be rash and we conceded some counter attacks. We needed to keep it calm as there was still 45 minutes to go. I understand that people want something, but it’s our idea and that’s what it is.
“But, in the end, I think when you’re 1-0 down and you win 2-1, it’s a great effort from all the players. From being 1-0 down, the team reacted very well. It has been a very good day. I said since day one that this will be our season.
“Today, we played a team who two months ago were playing in the [play-off] final to get promoted. It’s a very good team, very organised, so I’m very happy for the players. Logically, we have many, many things to do to improve, but in the way we want the game to be, I really liked that.”
The goalscorer, Academy graduate Dewsbury-Hall, had been tasked with getting into the opposition’s box with more regularity and certainly took on that advice during matchday one, heading in an equaliser before a thunderous strike ensured the Foxes claimed all three points.
“The only thing I asked from him since day one is to arrive in the box, because in terms of our idea, our attacking midfielders need to arrive in the box. It’s the only way to score. I said to him that I was watching, checking all his numbers in terms of assists and goals and he can do much better.
“Today he starts with two goals. He did try to offer some assists, he arrived in the box a few times in the first half and did very well. I’m happy for him.”
Five full league debuts were handed out, including to new signing Stephy Mavididi and homegrown talent Kasey McAteer, with the pair operating off each flank. The 43-year-old praised each of the wingers for their contributions to the victory.
He added: “Both were very good, to be honest. We said Stephy was probably not 100 per cent integrated into our idea because he only worked for us for a few days and McAteer was with us since day one. He’s young, he needed to be a little bit braver in one vs. one situations, but he played a good game.”
Sharing a word on the atmosphere around the capacity-crowd at King Power Stadium during the contest, Maresca commented: “[It was] unbelievable. I told the guys that if we convince our fans to be at every game at home in the way they were today, it’s good news for us.”