Puel: I'm Disappointed For The Fans

- Leicester City lose 2-0 to West Ham United at King Power Stadium
- João Mário opened the scoring in the first half after Marko Arnautović’s shot
- An unstoppable volley from West Ham captain Mark Noble doubled the lead after the break
- Claude Puel said he was disappointed for the fans after they created a ‘fantastic’ atmosphere

An injury-hit Foxes side went behind to a João Mário strike late in the first half after Marko Arnautović pulled the ball back, before an unstoppable volley from Mark Noble in the second half put the Hammers firmly in the driving seat. 

City pushed hard for a goal that would bring them back into the game but despite a string of late chances as they applied pressure to the visitors, they weren’t able to make a breakthrough. 

Attentions now turn to the final home fixture of the season against Arsenal on Wednesday night, with the manager determined to finish the campaign on a high after the frustrations of Saturday’s 2-0 loss. 

“I am disappointed for the fans because it was a fantastic atmosphere,” said Puel at full-time. “They tried to push us on. I am disappointed to give them this feeling because it is not a good feeling and it is not us. 

“It was not enough at the beginning of the game without a good intensity and perhaps we lacked some confidence after the last results and we did not play forward. It was a little better in the second-half but it was not enough. 

“We saw the difference between a team playing for survival and just trying to finish the season. Of course, we have a problem with the performance but also with injuries and the sending off.

“It’s a difficult finish to the season but I want to thank our fans. The situation is a tough period and they give the players that support, it’s great. They give their best. It is a shame because after October, a difficult period, all the players put in hard work and worked with intensity.

“With good listening and good play, strong in defence, with a lot of chances to score. It is a shame now to finish the season without the freshness and a lot of injuries. It is hard for young players in this situation to replace experienced players. It is a good opportunity for them to have game time but our performance is not enough, of course.”