Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca has been quoted by Leeds Live as saying that Sunderland posed a bigger threat to the Foxes than Leeds United did – despite Daniel Farke‘s side securing a 1-0 victory.
Georginio Rutter got his third goal of the season from close range, after Leicester failed to deal with a corner. Sam Byram’s header was saved by Mads Hermansen, only for Rutter to prod the ball into the net.
Leeds rode their luck. Leicester hit the bar in the first half and required a world-class save from Illan Meslier to deny a header from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. A massive win, and a huge signal of Leeds intent.
Last week, Leicester beat Sunderland 1-0 – James Justin scoring the only goal. Maresca was asked to compare Tony Mowbray’s side with Leeds and bizarrely, said Sunderland were the more-consistent side.
“Sunderland more aggressive and consistent from start to finish. Leeds started each half with intensity, but then dropped off. Team showed more intensity was Sunderland,” Maresca said after our 1-0 win.
“They don’t have the same energy Sunderland players are young. Pressed high, good. Some moments they dropped and pressed high tonight,” the Leicester boss continued, as quoted by Leeds Live.
Enzo Maresca says Sunderland better than Leeds United
A weird comment to make for a number of reasons. The most-glaring reason being that Leicester beat Sunderland, but failed to beat Leeds – in fact, losing. Maybe, a bit of bitterness on the Italian’s part.
Sunderland have been good this season, but perhaps lacking a bit of consistency, too. They sit down in eighth place, winning seven of 14 – but losing six. So it is a bit of a weird on from Leicester’s new boss.
However, Maresca is impressing in his role at the King Power and he deserves praise for the work he has done so far. A huge 13 wins in 15 is impressive. Leeds meanwhile, have now beaten the top two sides.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
