Shakespeare urges players to turn performances into points

Oli Fisher
Craig Shakespeare: Proud of Leicester

Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare insists it is time to start turning performances into results following a tough start to the Premier League.

The 2015/16 champions have won only one of their first four matches, but have already faced Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, although Shakespeare’s side acquitted themselves well in defeat in all three of those tough fixtures.

Their only victory came against Brighton and on Saturday Leicester face another newly-promoted club when they travel to Huddersfield.

Shakespeare, in his first full season in charge, believes it is time to start putting points on the board but he acknowledges it will not be easy in West Yorkshire.

“The start we’ve had against the Chelseas, Manchester Uniteds and Arsenals has been tough. But you can’t get away from the points and I understand that,” said Shakespeare.

“We spoke about the start of the season and who we’ve got in the first six games, with Liverpool here next as well, and we knew it’d be tough.

“It’s turned out that way as well but we need to turn those performances into results. The performances, for the most part, have been good but I’ve said before that perhaps things at big times in games aren’t going our way.”

Huddersfield, promoted via the play-offs last season, appear to have taken to life in the Premier League quite quickly, having taken seven points from their first four games.

Shakespeare said: “I’ve spoken about the word momentum with them and they’ve used that to their advantage.

“They will be after a quick start at their stadium, with the home fans right behind them, and we are aware of that. But we know we can cause them problems and we have to be aware of what we’re good at and take that into Saturday’s game.”

Matty James and Christian Fuchs are injury doubts for Leicester. Midfielder James suffered an Achilles problem against Chelsea while full-back Fuchs is nursing an eye injury following a freak accident in training which saw a pole flick him in the face.

Vicente Iborra (groin) is fit again and available for the first time this season while fellow summer signing Kelechi Iheanacho could make his full debut. Robert Huth (ankle) is also nearing full fitness and might be in the squad.