Positive Progress For Shakespeare

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Craig Shakespeare says his Leicester City side have made significant progress this pre-season as they prepare for Wednesday’s Premier League Asia Trophy opener against West Bromwich Albion.

- Craig Shakespeare has been pleased with Leicester City’s progress so far this pre-season - The Foxes are currently in Hong Kong to contest the Premier League Asia Trophy - City kick-off their campaign against West Bromwich Albion at Hong Kong Stadium on Wednesday (11am kick-off BST)

The Foxes trained for the first time in Hong Kong on Tuesday morning ahead of the clash with the Baggies at Hong Kong Stadium (11am BST).

Shakespeare, addressing the local, national and international media prior to the session, believes City have made visible improvements since reconvening in early July.

After touching down in Hong Kong on Monday, Shakespeare said: “We were welcomed very enthusiastically and went for walk. We’ve mixed in with the locals and all the staff have been made very welcome.

The challenge is there for every game so we have to set ourselves short term goals and long-term goals, and make sure we are as competitive as we can be.

Craig Shakespeare

“The weather, we all knew what it could be like. I like to think we are a positive club and I’m a positive person – we were out training on the grass today.

“It’s very positive because we’ve been around since 3 July. We’ve been at the training ground and we had week away as well. We’re looking forward to the Asia Trophy.

“Ultimately you want to come through unscathed in terms of injuries and then obviously prepare for start of season. We’ve had a good two weeks, the fitness levels and application have been excellent and we want that to continue.”

Shakespeare says City’s aim is to remain competitive in the Premier League this term, with Wednesday’s fixture providing them with a taste of what is to come.

“Internally we will have our short-term and long-term targets, which will remain in house,” added Shakespeare.

“We have to make sure we are as competitive as we can be and make sure we challenge in each game. There are no free games.

“The Premier League is one of the hardest leagues in the world, if not the hardest. The challenge is there for every game so we have to set ourselves short term goals and long-term goals, and make sure we are as competitive as we can be.”