Guest Bilo Posted 2 March 2014 Posted 2 March 2014 How we have improved in this area over the past year. We were so fragile last year, with hindsight. Defeat at Peterborough started the wobble and the defeat to Huddersfield in the cup confirmed it as we collapsed. We looked utterly bereft of confidence after those two games and it cost us promotion in the end. Fast forward to this season and we've had moments where we could have had similar wobbles. The defeat at home to Forest after we had been so dominant. Back-to-back defeats with a whimper ahead of playing three promotion rivals in successive games would have been a car crash last season, whereas it actually heralded the start of a record breaking winning streak and unbeaten run that has yet to end. So many times we've had games we've won or snatched a draw where the fans have said 'we'd have lost that last year.' 2-0 down to Watford and pulling it back to 2-2. Going to a Forest side unbeaten in fourteen, conceding two just before half-time and then going down to 10 men resulted in us rallying and earning a draw. This team is very, very strong mentally. The heartbreak of Watford last year seems to have galvanised the team as they have so clearly grown together. Even defeat at Stoke in the cup didn't knock us off our stride. We were always a talented bunch, but this season we've thrown toughness and resilience into the mix. I honestly believe that this is the difference between the Leicester City that stuttered into the play-offs and the Leicester City that looks like marching into the Premier League. Moreover, I think it's a trait that could very well keep us there too.
ADK Posted 2 March 2014 Posted 2 March 2014 I think the term "mental strength" is overused. I think our problems last season stemmed from too thin a squad with some of our best player having played more football than they were used to. Our squad is much better than last year so when we go behind, it is usually against the run of play or we were playing well within ourselves.
davieG Posted 2 March 2014 Posted 2 March 2014 I think they also lacked the physical strength to play that way for the whole season, players like Drinky, James and DeLaet where playing their first full season.
DANGEROUS TIGER Posted 2 March 2014 Posted 2 March 2014 How we have improved in this area over the past year. We were so fragile last year, with hindsight. Defeat at Peterborough started the wobble and the defeat to Huddersfield in the cup confirmed it as we collapsed. We looked utterly bereft of confidence after those two games and it cost us promotion in the end. Fast forward to this season and we've had moments where we could have had similar wobbles. The defeat at home to Forest after we had been so dominant. Back-to-back defeats with a whimper ahead of playing three promotion rivals in successive games would have been a car crash last season, whereas it actually heralded the start of a record breaking winning streak and unbeaten run that has yet to end. So many times we've had games we've won or snatched a draw where the fans have said 'we'd have lost that last year.' 2-0 down to Watford and pulling it back to 2-2. Going to a Forest side unbeaten in fourteen, conceding two just before half-time and then going down to 10 men resulted in us rallying and earning a draw. This team is very, very strong mentally. The heartbreak of Watford last year seems to have galvanised the team as they have so clearly grown together. Even defeat at Stoke in the cup didn't knock us off our stride. We were always a talented bunch, but this season we've thrown toughness and resilience into the mix. I honestly believe that this is the difference between the Leicester City that stuttered into the play-offs and the Leicester City that looks like marching into the Premier League. Moreover, I think it's a trait that could very well keep us there too. I completely agree. Mental strength induces the confidence we have lacked for many years.
bluesbrothers Posted 2 March 2014 Posted 2 March 2014 It's there for all to see, and I think the improved strength and depth of our bench players is another reason - everyone is pulling in the right direction, whether they're in the first XI or not. On a sidenote, remember when we lost to Stoke despite a decent performance and we had both our own doom-merchants and rival fans with nothing better to do using it as a sign that we'd either fail to go up or, if we should, that we'd be getting hammered every week? They never mentioned Stoke's solid home record, which now includes 10 points from 12 against last season's top 4. Frankly, we held our own and I have every confidence that if the squad takes their current mentality into the Prem, they can stay there. With a few signings (Left Back and Left Winger to back up Lloydy and Mahrez the only ones I think we really need) things could be even better.
Finnaldo Posted 2 March 2014 Posted 2 March 2014 Let's put it into perspective. You play for Leicester. You just put in a shite performance and are pretty much the reason we lost the game. You trod along into the changing rooms after the game, go in the showers and there waiting for you is Wes and Was staring at you menacingly. To escape their glare you look at the floor. In the middle of the floor, a bar of soap is waiting. /thread
Soar Fox Posted 2 March 2014 Posted 2 March 2014 Not just the mental strength the togetherness of the squad looks massive. You only had to see when Vardy, James and Drinkwater got subbed how many players were hugging them and shaking their hand as they walked off. The disappointment off last season has brought this squad squad closer together. It makes me so proud watching this team and the staff week in week out.
DANGEROUS TIGER Posted 2 March 2014 Posted 2 March 2014 We are the "Sunshine" boys We light up the Championship.
Tielemans63 Posted 2 March 2014 Posted 2 March 2014 Agree with Bilo although I'd say the addition of a few experienced players has been crucial. Was, GTF and KP might not play every week but you get the impression they are a very positive influence on the younger lads.
davieG Posted 3 March 2014 Posted 3 March 2014 .....and team spirit http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/699141150?-11208:815
LC/FC Posted 3 March 2014 Posted 3 March 2014 From the sounds of it we've somehow regained what we've lost since MON and possibly MA and that's team spirit. Playing together and for each other and it's a nice feeling that that's your team, who play for your club. In years to come, we'll be talking about that wonderful Pearson promotion team with great spirit, which dominated the league, playing some sublime attacking football.
Bob Weasel Fox Posted 3 March 2014 Posted 3 March 2014 Agree with Bilo although I'd say the addition of a few experienced players has been crucial. Was, GTF and KP might not play every week but you get the impression they are a very positive influence on the younger lads.Very true me thinks
Basingstoke Fox Posted 4 March 2014 Posted 4 March 2014 From the sounds of it we've somehow regained what we've lost since MON and possibly MA and that's team spirit. Honestly thought you were referring to Martin Allen for a second there.
TrentFox Posted 4 March 2014 Posted 4 March 2014 http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&ved=0CFgQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.utexas.edu%2Ffeatures%2F2008%2F11%2F24%2Fathletes_minds%2F&ei=DoYVU66xNOzA7AaE5YCQAg&usg=AFQjCNHVYDPxYRVWazRuK1cP1L2pgzLNhA If anyone else is interested in this, this should keep you busy for 15 minutes!‎‎
LC/FC Posted 4 March 2014 Posted 4 March 2014 Honestly thought you were referring to Martin Allen for a second there. Dear Lord, no . The only team spirit Allen brought to the side was probably a cheap whiskey, from Lidl, on sale. And I don't really wanna go back to using MA1 & MA2 again
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.