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Leicester Boss Claude Puel Rues Harsh Carabao Cup Exit After Penalty Shootout Loss to Man City

​Leicester manager Claude Puel said his side's Carabao Cup exit to Manchester City was harsh, after the Foxes crashed out of the competition on penalties.

Leicester gave themselves a chance of progression when Marc Albrighton levelled after Kevin De Bruyne's opener, but James Maddison, Christian Fuchs and Caglar Soyuncu all missed their penalties to gift Pep Guardiola's side a semi-final spot.


Puel said, as quoted by ​Sky Sports: "It's always harsh to lose on penalties, especially for the second time to the same team.

"But we played a complete game with a good structure and organisation and I think we deserved to come back and equalise. We didn't manage the penalties very well but that's football.


"I think we were close to ​Manchester City and it is difficult because we wanted to continue, but I prefer losing with this quality and mentality.

"I don't have a strongest team [out against City] because all my players are very close and we had some rotation. Hamza Choudhury played very well and it is important to give game time to players. I have confidence in my squad.

Leicester City v Manchester City - Carabao Cup: Quarter Final

"We conceded the first goal from a fantastic shot which took us by surprise, but after that we didn't concede a lot of chances.

"We corrected some things at half-time and the second half was very interesting and perhaps we could have won the game. I have no regrets, I'm just disappointed for the players because they worked hard on the pitch and it is always tough to be eliminated."

​Jamie Vardy was absent through injury but Puel was optimistic that the striker would be available for ​Leicester's trip to Chelsea.

He added: "I think he will be available. We needed to manage because he came back from injury and I hope he can give his best on Saturday."


Source : 90min