Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson: I'll protect my new starlet Anthony Knockaert
Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson has vowed to protect young startlet Anthony Knockaert.
The experienced manager knows the weight of expectation will fall on the Frenchman after his eye-catching, match-winning performance at Huddersfield.
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Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson says he will protect Anthony Knockaert
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Anthony Knockaert celebrates scoring against Huddersfield
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Anthony Knockaert scored two amazing goals against Huddersfield
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Anthony Knockaert scored two amazing goals against Huddersfield
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Anthony Knockaert scored two amazing goals against Huddersfield
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Anthony Knockaert scored two amazing goals against Huddersfield
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Anthony Knockaert scored two amazing goals against Huddersfield
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Anthony Knockaert scored two amazing goals against Huddersfield
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Anthony Knockaert scored two amazing goals against Huddersfield
The 20-year-old winger scored two sensational goals of such individual brilliance in the 2-0 victory that had everyone within the John Smith's Stadium talking about him after Tuesday night's game.
But while Pearson acknowledged he is a genuine talent, he hopes too much pressure will not be placed on the young shoulders of Knockaert, who is still learning about English football.
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"He is a talent , but it is important that people don't put too high an expectation on him," said Pearson, who saw his side climb into second in the table on Tuesday night after their fourth consecutive victory.
"He is a talented player but we don't want to go overboard and build him up so he can be knocked down.
"He is part of a squad and the same rules apply to him as everyone else. They all must have sound values. He is a really nice lad as well.
"He has shown he has a bit of an edge to him and we have to help him control that.
"The first goal was a fantastic strike and he utilised the conditions. The second was a great piece of improvisation, but you need the ability to do that.
"He is a potential match-winner for us. He is a young player and still learning. He is working hard. I am very pleased with how he has settled in."
Pearson gave the credit for unearthing the talented French under-21 international to his assistant manager and head of recruitment Steve Walsh, who spotted Knockaert playing for French second division side Guingamp.
"Steve Walsh has done a lot of work over the years and he takes the credit for finding players like Anthony, and a number of other players," he said.
"It isn't a case of throwing out your net and seeing what you drag in. We take a lot of care in how we recruit our players bearing in mind, not just the technical aspect, as we want the right people as well.
"It might be perceived as a gamble by a lot of people but you do your homework and take some of the risk out.
"The money we have spent in comparison to others shows we get value for money.
"We also get players who want to be at the club and also they have a value moving forward."
Comments
by meashamfox
Friday, October 05 2012, 3:55AM
“The first time I saw Knockaert I knew he was something special and if we can keep hold of him he will be a cult hero at Leicester. I believe the signings of Knockaert and Vardy have been inspirational. Well done to Nigel Pearson and his team and let us hope that rumours and speculation concerning his position now cease and he is left to get on with the job in hand.”
by dobranich
Thursday, October 04 2012, 2:32PM
“Geoff i know we cant win em all but i dont want to see us "gifting" games away. When i thnk that NP cant see the problems that we obviously can it gets to me.
Richie De Laet is calamity Jayne. Bamber at his worst. Ok he will get with it sometime but meanwhile we win if he doesnt play?? Mr Vardy cannot convert the many chances coming his way. Again he will get there. In the meantime if other players come good to mask these problems we win. If they dont we lose or draw.
As the Meercat says "simples"”
by lcfctilidie
Thursday, October 04 2012, 2:24PM
“yes, rubbish media speculation seems to follow this club. They make things up and call it news.
NP knows his job is safe and so do the owners. Everything else is just made up.”
by yorkiefox
Thursday, October 04 2012, 2:10PM
“Must have read my comment from the other page.”
by FoxUlike
Thursday, October 04 2012, 2:03PM
“One way in which I am impressed with the owners is that they have always completely kept themselves OUT of team affairs.
Contrast Blackburn's owners and their constant public sniping at their own manager. And Wolves owners who went into the dressing room at half-time to 'pep talk' the players.
Result: Relegation.
You just don't want to dignify a rumour from a single, unsubstantiated source by replying in to it.
Does anybody seriously believe that the Thais have "sounded out" Iain Dowie?!”
by foxeerod
Thursday, October 04 2012, 1:53PM
“as far as a statement from the owners goes , i like the old adage ... no news is good news”
by lcfctilidie
Thursday, October 04 2012, 1:40PM
“I dont think the owners need to do anything. They were not part of any of the speculation and have always been happy with their choice in NP. Their backing has been with signings.
I am sure they are very happy with NP and tell him so.”
by BrumFoxile
Thursday, October 04 2012, 1:31PM
“to be honest I dont want the owners coming out with a statement backing NP as this is normally the precursor to the manager leaving the club.
As long as they make their feelings known to him in private, thats good enough for me.”
by lcfctilidie
Thursday, October 04 2012, 12:59PM
“I am sure we wont lose too many more this season. The odd draw maybe when teams just defend.
I doubt Beckford will come back, he can see how we play and he must know he does not stand a chance of playing regular here. I am guessing Huddersfield will sign him perm in January.
I do wish him well though. Didnt work for us, but he was still a Leicester player.”
by rossi82
Thursday, October 04 2012, 12:47PM
“no coincedence that our form has improved with beckfords departure in my view”