Leicester City manager Marti Cifuentes said Bade Aluko’s red card reflected poorly on the entire squad and coaching staff, admitting the young defender was not given the right conditions to succeed during the heavy defeat at Southampton.

Aluko’s first senior start ended after only 33 minutes when he received two yellow cards in a chaotic first half at St Mary’s. Leicester were already struggling badly, and the teenager was left exposed as Southampton repeatedly broke forward at pace. Abdul Fatawu lost possession in the buildup to Aluko’s first booking, adding to the pressure on the left-back.

Cifuentes said Aluko was desperate to make a positive impression for the club and that the harsh debut was disappointing for everyone involved. He added that the coaching staff will support the youngster and help him prepare for future opportunities. The manager told him that football involves ups and downs and that difficult moments also offer lessons.

Leicester’s problems began early, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis heading in a free-kick to give Southampton the lead before Finn Azaz finished off a counterattack for a second goal. Harwood-Bellis struck again shortly before half-time, and Aluko’s dismissal left Leicester facing an uphill task.

With the game effectively lost before the interval, Leicester offered little threat in the second half. They failed to register a shot after the 19th minute and appeared mainly focused on avoiding further damage.

Cifuentes admitted the display was far below the required standard. He said the match had been a chance to build momentum and potentially move into the play-off positions but felt that almost every aspect of the evening went wrong. Although he noted that Southampton’s opening goal should have been ruled offside, he felt his team did not respond well enough afterward.

At half-time he urged his players to show pride and ensure the situation did not deteriorate further. He also acknowledged the supporters who made the long midweek trip and deserved better from the team. Although Leicester struggled to attack with a man down, Cifuentes insisted that sitting back should never be the message.