Brendan Rodgers wants Leicester City supporters to keep backing the players no matter what their opinion of him may be. The City manager was subjected to chants calling for his sacking by a section of the away crowd following the 1-0 loss at Southampton on Saturday evening. The result leaves City in the thick of the relegation battle, just three points above the drop zone. It is far from the first time that supporters have chanted for Rodgers to be removed, but the City boss initially overcame those calls with a good run of form in the autumn.
Brendan Rodgers said: “I respect the opinions. That’s what the game is about. I never take the support of the board for granted. I only ever do my best with what we have. It’s been very up and down for us. I think for the supporters it’s been a challenge from the very first game. We had no signings and that first game against Brentford, you sensed from the off that it was going to be a challenging season. I respect that. They pay their money and have travelled a long way. They’ll be disappointed tonight. My message is just make sure they stay with the players. They have given everything. They are going to need the supporters between now and the end of the season.”
The atmosphere could turn toxic again next week if City struggle at home to Chelsea. Only Southampton have a worse home record than City in the Premier League this season, with just 12 points earned from 12 games.
