Claude Puel rues harsh result in EFL Cup

Leicester City boss Claude Puel has claimed his side’s penalty shootout defeat to Manchester City in the EFL Cup quarter-final was “harsh”.

Premier League champions City raced into the lead at the King Power Stadium thanks to a superb strike from midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

The Foxes responded with a goal from winger Marc Albrighton who found the top corner with a volley in the 79th minute.

Tuesday’s meeting eventually went to penalties which was a repeat of the EFL Cup quarter-final clash from last season between the two sides. For the second successive year City won on spot-kicks, with Leicester’s fans unhappy with their team’s efforts when under pressure.

Speaking after the game, Puel told Sky Sports: “It’s always harsh to lose on penalties, especially for the second time to the same team. “But we played a complete game with a good structure and organisation and I think we deserved to come back and equalise.

We didn’t manage the penalties very well but that’s football. “I think we were close to Manchester City and it is difficult because we wanted to continue, but I prefer losing with this quality and mentality.

“We corrected some things at half-time and the second half was very interesting and perhaps we could have won the game.

I have no regrets, I’m just disappointed for the players because they worked hard on the pitch and it is always tough to be eliminated.”

Striker Jamie Vardy missed the game for Leicester but Puel is confident he will return for the weekend when they play Chelsea. The Blues are 1.33 to win, the draw is 5.00, while Leicester remain 10.00 outsiders.