adminJack Wilshere insisted that the pressure surrounding Russell Martin’s position at Leicester City played no part in Luton Town’s preparations for their League One meeting, as the Hatters focused on the challenge posed by the Foxes.
Ten years after winning the Premier League and five years after lifting the FA Cup, Leicester City find themselves in League One following consecutive relegations from the top flight, replacing Luton as the last team to suffer back-to-back demotions.
Martin’s side arrived at Kenilworth Road after recording back-to-back victories for the first time this season, having endured a difficult start that had raised questions about the former Southampton and Swansea City manager.
Luton Town defeated Leicester City 2-1 at Kenilworth Road, with the result providing a dramatic conclusion to the encounter. The victory gave Wilshere’s side an important result against a Leicester team that had arrived hoping to build on its recent improvement.
The result also meant Leicester left empty-handed despite their efforts to impose their possession-based style on the contest, while Luton had the satisfaction of securing the win in front of their home supporters.
However, Wilshere said he had not considered his opposite number’s uncertain position while preparing for the game. Instead, the Luton boss spent the previous 48 hours studying Leicester’s performances and identifying how his team could exploit their strengths and weaknesses.
“I don’t think necessarily any way in my prep did I think about Russell Martin being under pressure or not being under pressure,” Wilshere said.
“When you’re in this job, you quickly learn that there’s so much going on that you have to focus on. You have to deal with players, teams that we’re going to come up against, injuries, problems like that, that over the last 48 hours has taken up my time while watching Leicester.”
Wilshere, who knew Martin from their playing days, also expressed admiration for the Leicester manager’s commitment to his footballing philosophy.
“Russell Martin is someone I remember as a player, really aggressive, really committed. And he’s obviously gone on to many different clubs and someone who’s got a real clear way of playing and someone who has a lot of courage to keep doing it and, believing in his way. And I think, massive respect for that,” he said.
The Luton manager expected Leicester to provide a different test from some of the teams his side had faced this season, with both clubs looking to play on the front foot and dominate possession.
“Both teams want to attack, both teams, yes, have a certain way of playing a game and probably slightly different to anything we’ve experienced this season,” Wilshere said.
“We like these games. I like these games. I think the players do as well. They give players something to think about and we always have to stay focused because they can play through you anytime. So, a challenge for us, but one we’re looking forward to.”
Wilshere also warned that Leicester had shown enough in recent performances to demand Luton’s full attention, regardless of the scrutiny surrounding Martin.
“They’re in every single game, they’ve had moments and spells in games where they’ve dominated the ball, where they’ve created chances,” he said.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
admin
