“The race is on.” Kelechi Iheanacho coolly throws down the gauntlet with Manchester United for a top-four finish. “Anyone can get into the top four, anyone can get into the top six.”
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, the Leicester forward expressed his admiration for United’s current form – which has seen the Foxes’ eight-point lead slashed to one since the restart.
“Bruno [Fernandes] is a top player. They’ve got Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba back in the team now. They’re flying. But that’s not what we need to worry about. We just need to focus on our games.”
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Before lockdown, the Foxes were cruising to a third-place finish – guaranteeing Champions League football next season. But with just one win from five games since the restart, coupled with Chelsea and Manchester United finding their groove, the race for Europe looks set to go to the wire.
A spate of injuries to key players James Maddison, Ben Chilwell and Ricardo haven’t helped the cause. “Madders [Maddison], Chilly [Chilwell] and Ricardo are fantastic players. They have a big impact in the team. I love playing with them.
“But everyone can fill the gaps as well. Everyone knows what to do when you’re taking someone’s place.”
A fifth-place finish might be enough for Champions League qualification – if Manchester City’s ban from the competition is upheld and their appeal is unsuccessful – but Iheanacho clearly believes Leicester are masters of their own destiny. “I don’t know what’s going on with that but we’re just focusing on our games.”
And that fate could well be sealed on the final day when Leicester host United at the King Power.
The Nigeria international missed out on the Foxes’ maiden journey in Europe following their against-the-odds title win in 2015/16, when they lost to Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.
He’s itching to compete among Europe’s elite again – more than three years after his last appearance in the competition with Manchester City. “We’ve worked really hard to get to this stage, so it would really be a dream.”
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