Leicester City’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, concedes that the strain of championship expectations might be impacting his team, following a disappointing 2-1 loss at home to QPR.
Once enjoying a comfortable 12-point lead at the summit of the Championship, Leicester City’s advantage has now dwindled to a mere three points after a trio of defeats. Maresca expressed his concerns, noting the psychological burden of maintaining a lead. “It’s natural to feel the pressure to win when rivals close in. It’s been a long journey at the top, with everyone in pursuit, so feeling the pressure is possible,” Maresca shared with the Leicester Mercury.
Despite acknowledging the possible effects of pressure, Maresca emphasized the focus should remain on securing victories in the remaining 11 games. Reflecting on the recent loss, he highlighted the team’s dominance and creation of opportunities but lamented the crucial aspect of failing to convert chances into goals.
Ipswich Town has emerged as Leicester’s closest competitor, overtaking Leeds for the second position after Leeds managed only a draw against Huddersfield. In that match, despite Leeds’ dominance in possession and facing a 10-man Huddersfield for a significant portion of the game, they could not clinch a win, halting their record-winning streak aspirations.
Southampton, meanwhile, keeps their top-four position intact, standing five points behind Ipswich, after a thrilling 4-3 victory against Birmingham City. Despite defensive lapses, Southampton’s resolve shone through, clinching the win with a last-minute goal.
As the Championship race heats up, teams are feeling the weight of expectation, with every match outcome potentially altering the course of the season’s end.