Dean Smith offers an important message to Leicester City players who may be playing in their final game.
The latest Leicester City news as the important match against West Ham might be the final appearance in a City shirt for certain current squad players.
Dean Smith has stated that the Leicester City players who may leave this summer will want to depart on a high by helping the team stay in the Premier League, but he is not using this as motivation ahead of the final-day encounter with West Ham.
City have one last chance to rescue their top-flight status on Sunday when David Moyes’ side visits the King Power Stadium maybe with one eye on their Europa Conference League final 10 days later. Smith’s men have to pick up three points and hope that Everton drop points as they take on Bournemouth at Goodison Park.
Even if Leicester do stay up, or go down, the game at the King Power Stadium could be the final one in a City shirt for a number of members of the squad. The likes of Youri Tielemans, Jonny Evans and Nampalys Mendy are among those out of contract in the summer, with the former expected to leave the club on a free transfer, while there is still uncertainty over if the other two will extend their stay.
Caglar Soyuncu is another player who is anticipated to leave at the conclusion of his contract, but he is currently out with an injury.
Other players connected with transfers away include James Maddison, who is anticipated to depart regardless of City’s level, and Harvey Barnes, who has been linked with a move away when the transfer market opens.
Smith has stated that he has not utilized the uncertainty about their future as additional motivation to go out on a high, although it is possible that the players will.
“Not really,” he answered when asked if he has spoken with the players who might play in their farewell game. “As I previously stated, I’ve read about which players may be out of contract. I didn’t ask the question.
“Those who have been here a long time and whose contracts are about to expire will know that they want to leave on a high note, if they are to leave.”
“Leave a good legacy, which has been an FA Cup win and a Community Shield win in recent years.” They understand how essential it is to them, so they don’t need me to go on to them.”
One thing that might be vital in the game against West Ham is experience in different scenarios, which City does have, with Jamie Vardy among those. Smith intends to make use of it later in the day.
“You can rely on players for their experience, and Vards has that experience, but we are a team full of internationals, and they have experiences that they must use to the best of their abilities.”
He also mentioned how their recent clean sheet should boost confidence heading into Sunday’s contest.
“A lot of the players have played in high-profile games before, so they know what it’s about and what they need to do,” he continued. The tenacity displayed at St James’ Park on Monday surely gives everyone a lift, and the fact that we maintained our first clean sheet in 22 games also helps.”
One thing that might be vital in the game against West Ham is experience in different scenarios, which City does have, with Jamie Vardy among those. Smith intends to make use of it later in the day.
“You can rely on players for their experience, and Vards has that experience, but we are a team full of internationals, and they have experiences that they must use to the best of their abilities.”
He also mentioned how their recent clean sheet should boost confidence heading into Sunday’s contest.
“A lot of the players have played in high-profile games before, so they know what it’s about and what they need to do,” he continued. The tenacity displayed at St James’ Park on Monday surely gives everyone a lift, and the fact that we maintained our first clean sheet in 22 games also helps.”
