Brendan Rodgers took the rare approach of criticizing the officials for their performance in Leicester City’s 0-0 draw with Slavia Prague.
Brendan Rodgers said: “I thought the officials were really poor, I’ve got to say. I don’t comment so much on them because I know it’s a very difficult job. But some of the decisions… I think we had Wilf booked and Kelechi for the use of the elbow and it was clear it wasn’t. They were challenging for the ball, especially Wilf. And then there were a few decisions, particularly on Cengo towards the end, where we were clearly fouled and didn’t get it. I didn’t think it was a very good night for them to be honest.”
City will hope to have better fortune with officials in seven days’ time when they take on the Czech champions at home for a place in the last 16. Rodgers feels City are in a good position to progress, knowing his side have won every European fixture at home so far, keeping clean sheets in all three fixtures.
Brendan Rodgers added: “It’s set up really well for ourselves. You come into European competition and you want to keep a clean sheet, great. If you can score, even better, but it wasn’t to be. There weren’t many chances in the game. The pitch was difficult, a bit bumpy. I was really pleased with the spirit in the team. We didn’t concede too many moments, and this is a team with lots of confidence and who average three goals a game. I thought we were defensively solid. We could have been better with the ball that’s for sure. We’re in a good position and we can really attack the second leg at home. That’s how it’s been for us in Europe this season. We ‘ve gone away and got some decent results and then we’ve been really good at home and scored. It will be a tough game but we’re in a good place.”
Leicester City boss felt Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho were both unfairly booked in the Europa League round-of-32 first leg, with the latter’s booking, shown just a few seconds after his introduction, proving costly as it earned him a suspension for the second leg. Rodgers also felt that his side did not get the decisions they deserved, with Cengiz Under hauled down close to the edge of the box late on.
