Harry Diamond
Youri Tielemans insists Leicester is ‘a perfect environment to challenge for trophies’ as the club prepare for their Europa League round of 32 second leg against Slavia Prague.
Leicester have made notable strides forward under the management of Brendan Rodgers and fell agonisingly short of securing Champions League qualification last season, before bouncing back this season to mount another push towards the Premier League’s top four.
The Foxes currently sit third in the division and have also progressed impressively in the FA Cup and Europa League, qualifying for the knockout stages of the latter tournament as group winners before being drawn to face Slavia Prague.
Leicester face the Czech champions in the second leg of that tie tomorrow evening following a goalless encounter in the first meeting, with Rodgers’ side hopeful of securing progress as they bid to reach the latter stages.
Tielemans has opened up his side’s ambitions and believes Leicester can challenge for the Europa League this season, admitting the club is the ‘perfect environment’ to challenge for trophies following their improvement in recent seasons.
“Why not?,” he said at the pre-match press conference.
“It’s brilliant to be here. It’s a perfect environment to challenge for trophies, it’s made for it.
“In every competition we play in, we want to go to the end. We know there are a lot of good teams in this competition and it will be very tough.”
Leicester boss Rodgers also spoke on Tielemans’ comments and believes ‘ambition is key’ amongst his playing group, hailing the midfielder as a ‘top player’ and expressing his delight that the Belgium international believes he is in the right place to win silverware.
“For any player, the level of ambition is key,” said Rodgers.
“Especially for someone like Youri, who is a top player. They want to be in a place where they can learn.
“It’s great to hear that, but particularly from Youri, who is a top talent.”
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