Leicester City suffered a 4-2 defeat to Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday but many have been full of praise for their performance.
The Foxes went toe to toe with their Premier League opponents and looked, for a moment, like they’d go on to win the tie after Stephy Mavididi’s curled home leveller.
For large spells of the second half, Enzo Maresca‘s side more than matched the West Londoners but Callum Doyle’s red card completely changed the tide.
The Stamford Bridge faithful railed their team on heading into the final stages of the game against 10 men and their endeavour eventually paid off, as they netted twice in stoppage time.
Though, despite the heartbreaking defeat, Maresca has been hailed for how he set up his side.
Robbie Mustoe hails Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca
Former professional footballer turned commentator and podcaster Robbie Mustoe was full of praise for the Italian head coach speaking on The Two Robbies podcast.
“Leicester City, by the way, they’re top of the Championship right now,” Mustoe said.
“Enzo Maresca is doing a lovely job. I heard his interview afterwards saying ‘I’m pleased that we stuck to how we do things’.
“I think he’s another one of those that they have a style of football and he said ‘If I started to do something different, we would be awful’.
“So I think these managers, they have it set how they’re going to play and they want to keep doing it throughout. So he’s another one of those.
“They (Leicester) look really good and there’s plenty of players we know about. Ndidi played in midfield, Harry Winks played in midfield, and Patson Daka is still part of the side. They’ve still got some very good players and they gave Chelsea a fright.”
Such praise evinces the progression Leicester have been on under Maresca following relegation to the Championship.
Last season under Brendan Rodgers, positivity was few and far between, so it’s nice to hear the Foxes boss commended for the job he’s done.
Full focus now turns towards the Championship
Leicetser City now have one competition to focus on heading into the final nine games of the gruelling Championship campaign.
Maresca’s side have the international break to rest and recover before a trip to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City at the end of the month.
With Leeds United moving top over the weekend, it’s important City return to winning ways in the league and regain their place at the summit.
They won’t want to be dragged further down into the chasing pack.