Nigel Pearson was quick to keep pre-season friendly results in perspective as he admitted that his Leicester City side were “slightly off the pace” in their 1-1 draw at League One Preston North End.
The Foxes boss had watched his Premier League new boys record three successive victories before the game against the Lilywhites at Deepdale on Saturday.
Liam Moore put Leicester in front with a brilliant effort midway through the first half, before Tom Clarke headed the hosts level in the second period.
The end to the winning run was a slight disappointment as the Foxes prepare for their return to Premier League action with a home curtain-raiser against Everton at the King Power Stadium on August 16.
However Pearson insisted he is not downbeat in the same way he was not getting carried away by their three wins.
He told the club’s website: “We were slightly off the pace. Not as fluid as we have been, but you can’t read too much into pre-season games.
“I like us to win as often as possible as it’s a good habit to have, but when you don’t quite find the fluidity you’re looking for, it’s a lesson to us that we have to be at full-tilt.
“It’s pre-season, so you have to apply some perspective. Cast your mind back to Northampton last year [lost 2-1] – it’s not all about the results being right, it’s about working hard and getting your application right.
“The next time we play games, all of the squad will get 90 minutes, so this is an important part of preparing for any new season.
“We’ve got some good competition for places in several positions, so it should make for an interesting couple of weeks before the start of the season.”
Leicester are priced at 3.30 to be relegated this coming season, while they can be backed at 2.73 to defeat Everton in their opening match. The Toffees are available at 2.41 with the draw at 3.14.
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