Leicester City will head to the Etihad Stadium determined to compete rather than simply contain, according to coach Passmoor, who insists his side are travelling to face Manchester City with belief and a clear plan to get a result.
Speaking ahead of the daunting Premier League fixture, Passmoor stressed that mentality would be just as important as tactics against the reigning champions. “You cannot go there hoping to survive,” he said. “If you do that, you suffer. We’re going with a positive mindset. We respect them, of course, but we believe we can get something.”
Few grounds in English football present a sterner test than the Etihad. Under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City have built a reputation for relentless possession, suffocating pressing and clinical finishing. Yet Passmoor believes Leicester’s recent improvements provide encouragement. Performances in recent weeks have shown greater defensive structure and sharper transitions in attack, signs that the Foxes are beginning to find rhythm at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Passmoor pointed to Leicester’s work on shape and discipline as key foundations. “We’ve been working hard on staying compact, making sure the distances between units are right,” he explained. “Against a side like City, if you lose your shape for even a moment, they punish you. But if you stay organised and brave on the ball when you win it back, there are opportunities.”
The manager’s message has been clear throughout the week: courage in possession. Leicester know they will not dominate the ball for long stretches, but Passmoor wants his players to use it wisely when chances arise. Quick transitions, intelligent movement in wide areas and clinical finishing will be essential if they are to trouble City’s defence.
Importantly, the mood in the Leicester camp is said to be upbeat. Training sessions have reportedly been sharp and competitive, with senior figures in the dressing room reinforcing the belief that a positive result is achievable. Passmoor highlighted the importance of leadership on the pitch, calling on experienced players to set the tone from the first whistle.
“We need personality,” he added. “Big stadium, big opponent — that’s when big characters step forward. The players are excited by the challenge. These are the games you want to play in.”
Leicester’s recent away form offers some quiet optimism. While consistency has been elusive at times this season, there have been flashes of resilience on the road. If they can combine that fighting spirit with tactical discipline, the Foxes may yet frustrate their illustrious hosts.
Of course, the task remains formidable. Manchester City possess depth, quality and a ruthless edge in front of goal. Any lapse in concentration can quickly turn a competitive contest into a long evening. But Passmoor’s emphasis is on belief rather than fear.
“It’s about mindset,” he reiterated. “If we go there thinking it’s impossible, it will be. If we go there believing we can compete, we give ourselves a chance.”
For Leicester City, this trip is more than just another fixture. It is an opportunity to test their progress, to measure themselves against one of Europe’s elite and to demonstrate that they can approach even the toughest assignments with ambition. Whether they return home with points remains to be seen, but under Passmoor’s guidance, they will arrive in Manchester intent on making their presence felt rather than merely making up the numbers.
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