adminMarti Cifuentes responds to angry backlash from stands after Leicester City defeat to Millwall
The Leicester City manager gives his thoughts after a second straight defeat, with the 1-0 reverse at The Den meaning his side have now won just one of their last eight
Marti Cifuentes is “extremely committed” to giving something back after he was met by an angry travelling Leicester City contingent following the loss to Millwall.
Back-to-back defeats, and a run of one win in eight, has seen the mood at City tumble to a new low for the season, and fans expressed their unhappiness at full-time.
When the players and Cifuentes went over to the 3,000 City supporters after the final whistle, there were very few applauding their efforts, with many expressing their frustration with boos and hand gestures.
Cifuentes said his own emotions matched those of the City supporters and he’s determined to give them something to cheer.
“I feel especially my own anger,” he said. “I’m the first one to be angry. I’m angry with the result and I’m angry with the performance.
“I understand the frustration. The fact it was 3,000 in the away end today, it says a lot about the support. I’m extremely committed to try to give them something back.
“We knew from the very beginning that the situation would not be easy. We have been speaking about this rebuilding process where it will take time to change things.
“But at the same time I totally understand their frustration because we need to do better.”
City fell to defeat following after failing to capitalise on a positive start, and then failing to create enough chances when chasing an equaliser.
Following Femi Azeez’s goal just before the break, there were very few moments where City looked like they might draw level.
Cifuentes said: “It was not the result we wanted. We were looking for a reaction after Tuesday. In terms of performance, the first 15 minutes were quite good. We started the game quite well. Unfortunately we couldn’t take the lead.
“Slowly Millwall, through set-plays and long throws, that changed the momentum. They were pushing more. We were not able to use the space in behind because they were pressing more aggressively through the minutes.
“Then it was definitely very disappointing to concede this goal late in the first half.
“We spoke at half-time about the importance to start the second half well, to attack certain areas, especially through Aaron (Ramsey) and JJ (Jordan James). It was quite clear how to attack them.
“Then comes this muscular injury for Aaron. So we had to change. Through the minutes in the second half, it becomes more emotional.
“We try to change things. We try to first play with a back three, then we switch Abdul (Fatawu) and Silko (Thomas) to play with natural wingers on each side to try to activate more the space in between the keeper and the back-line. But unfortunately it was not good enough.
“Credit to Millwall. They defended well. They put the game where it was good for them and we couldn’t change that.”
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