Claude Puel hails Harry Maguire and James Maddison after Leicester win
Saturday 29 September 2018 19:51, UK
Claude Puel hailed the impact of Leicester duo Harry Maguire and James Maddison after his side beat Newcastle 2-0 at St James' Park.
Maguire headed Leicester's second after Jamie Vardy's penalty had given Leicester a first-half lead, with the result never really in doubt as Newcastle failed to get going.
Summer signing Maddison stood out in front of watching England manager Gareth Southgate, creating five chances for team-mates in the match - one more than Newcastle created as a team.
"His [Maguire's] first game was a little bit difficult because it was tough to come back without preparation, without a friendly game in pre-season," Puel told Sky Sports. "The first game he played was after just two or three training sessions. It was difficult for him to keep consistency in his game.
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"I am happy for him this afternoon. He played very well with a lot of concentration, and of course he scored. Congratulations to him - he always has a fantastic attitude, he is a fantastic guy and player also.
"He [Maddison] continues to give his best. He has improved a lot, he has to continue this work. We will see in the future. The most important thing is that he continues consistency in games and in training. And after we will see if he can have the reward."
Puel's side are now up to seventh in the Premier League table after continuing their fine start to the season on Tyneside, much to the manager's delight.
"I am of course satisfied because I think we made a strong, collective performance," Puel added. "It was against a good team, Newcastle played well. It was important to give a good response in the battles, the duels, to play direct.
"We continued to play on the floor with quality. It is a good reward for my players and I would like to say congratulations to them.
"We played with fantastic discipline, with good play, structure and all the things to make a good result in a difficult away game."
