Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers will not beg James Maddison to stay at Leicester City if he sees his future elsewhere. Discussions have taken place between City and Maddison’s representatives over a new deal for the attacking midfielder, whose current contract expires in 2024. Rodgers has also had chats with his star man over his next step. While the manager is keen for Maddison to stay, given his quality and his influence on City’s fortunes, he has said he will not plead for the number 10 nor any others players to commit their futures to the club. He only wants those who are willing to stay. Maddison was courted by Newcastle last summer, with two bids rejected, while Manchester City and Tottenham have both been named as suitors since.
Brendan Rodgers said: “It’s been a conversation the club have been having with James’ representatives for a while. There’s no change in that, not that I’m aware of. His contract is clear where it’s at. For me, it’s about making sure that despite whatever the situation is that James is playing at the best level he can be. Thankfully he’s a player that’s got experience now. He’s very focused purely on doing his best for us and staying fit. I speak openly with the players, especially with the situation we’re in. We have a whole host of players out of contract in the next 15 or 16 months. It’s very important that there are conversations between representatives of the club and the player. But that connection between the manager and player is also very important. It’s a constant dialogue. It’d be great (if Maddison signed a new contract). He’s a top player in the league. He’s shown that in his time here gradually. From when he came in, to the position he’s in now, you can see that development has taken place. That’s the type of club we are. We develop players, we improve players, we can give them great conditions to work in. But I won’t be begging for a player to stay. This is a great club, they get great support here on the pitch and off the pitch, and if they’ve been here for a while, they understand what the club is about and where it wants to go. Players’ careers are short and they always have to think about the future. As long as that concentration and focus is here while they are here, that’s all I would ever ask. I will then speak openly with players, and regularly, so I understand what they’re thinking and then we’ll progress from there.”
Maddison is fit to play at Old Trafford on Sunday and will be seeking his 10th goal of the season, and his first-ever against Manchester United. Against no club has he played more games without scoring than against United, the midfielder unable to find the net in his eight appearances against them.
