Nigel Pearson insists Leicester must focus on Sunderland
Friday 15 May 2015 09:19, UK
Leicester boss Nigel Pearson is adamant his team will have to focus on their match with Sunderland on Saturday to ensure their Premier League status.
The Foxes can retain their place in the top-flight this weekend at the Stadium of Light if they better Hull City’s result at Tottenham.
Pearson’s side were involved in a similar situation last season, when their 1-0 victory relegated Doncaster to League One.
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But with another game remaining in the current campaign, away to already relegated Queens Park Rangers, Pearson insists the emphasis has to be on Leicester’s match at Sunderland.
“First and foremost our concentration has to be on ourselves, on our own game, that’s not going to change,” Pearson said.
“I’ve tried not to change that all season, and I can’t see any reason to do that now. When it becomes probably more relevant with the last game of the season
“I’ve been involved in games and seen, probably more so with opponents, where what’s happened elsewhere during games becomes more of an issue in terms of how tactically a side have to alter.
“And I suppose our last game of the season last year was a good example of that in terms of Doncaster – not nice to see how other people seasons can be flipped on a head within seconds.
“There is that element of being aware of what happens elsewhere, but ultimately our focus has to remain very much on ourselves for this game.”
Pearson is wary of the trip to the Stadium of Light as Sunderland have now climbed out of the bottom three under Dick Advocaat’s guidance.
And a victory for the Black Cats would see them climb above Leicester, having played a game fewer.
"Sunderland have found a system that works, where they can get all their best attacking players on the pitch,” Pearson said.
“They have experience from being in this position last year and a very experienced coach as well, so there's no doubt that this is a big game for both teams.
“They have home advantage, which will undoubtedly be a help to them too."
