Pressure on Leicester was far greater last season – Albrighton

Marc Albrighton: Enjoying Leicester's title chase

Marc Albrighton: Enjoying Leicester's title chase

Marc Albrighton insists the pressure of the title run-in is nothing compared to last season’s fight against relegation from the Premier League.

Leicester’s transformation from virtual relegation certainties to champions-elect is the story of the past 12 months. A year ago the Foxes were bottom of the table and seven points adrift of safety – on Sunday a 1-0 home win against Southampton moved them seven points clear of second-placed Tottenham at the summit.

Claudio Ranieri’s side continue to play with freedom, without the shackles of the pressure related to the enormity of what they could achieve in the remaining six matches.

Albrighton thinks that is because Leicester are doing something that nobody thought was possible.

He said: ”Last season was totally different, we did feel a lot more pressure last season.

”This season we don’t really feel any pressure, I can’t see that there’s any on us. We’re in a position where no-one was expecting us to be so no matter where we finish now, and don’t get me wrong if we don’t go on now and achieve something it’s going to be disappointing, but even the lowest position we could finish if we lost all our remaining games would still be a massive achievement and fantastic for us.

”Of course we’re aiming for the top and if we can achieve that then fantastic.

”We’ll just continue to do everything that’s got us here. I think if we keep doing that we won’t go too far wrong. It’s got us in a great position and if we continue to do that and take each game as it comes then, as I say, we won’t go too far wrong.”

 

Albrighton admits Foxes DO look at the table

Leicester knew heading into the game against Southampton that they could extend their lead at the top of the table after nearest rivals Tottenham drew 1-1 at Liverpool the previous day.

Wes Morgan’s first-half header, his first goal of the season, ensured they did so but Albrighton was not getting carried away.

”I watched the (Liverpool v Tottenham) game because as a Leicester player it’s a massive game for us,” said the winger.

”It was a good result for us and we do look, obviously, at the table because it’s everywhere and we take an interest in what the other teams are doing – I think that’s normal.

”But this (win against Southampton) just feels like another win and another three points. Next week will be just as hard. It’s one game at a time for us.”

Leicester travel to relegation-battling Sunderland next weekend.