Marti Cifuentes explains genius change that won Leicester City game against Sheffield Wednesday

Add as preferred source on Google

Leicester City beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 in a comeback victory, with the tactical class of Marti Cifuentes on show during the game.

The Marti Cifuentes era in the Championship at Leicester City began with a comeback victory at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

Nathaniel Chalobah broke the deadlock with a deflected strike after 26 minutes and the Owls went into half-time with the lead.

Second-half goals from Leicester defenders Jannik Vestergaard and Wout Faes turned the tide for the hosts and saw Cifuentes’ side earn three points in his first league game in charge for the Foxes.

After the game, Cifuentes explained why he made a surprising tactical change at half-time, which flipped the momentum back in the Foxes’ favour.

• READ MORE: Sheffield Wednesday fans fly plane banner during Leicester City game as part of mass protest

Marti Cifuentes explains why he brought off Oliver Skipp for Harry Winks

Harry Winks starred for Leicester against Sheffield Wednesday after being introduced at half-time for Oliver Skipp.

Winks was brought on by Cifuentes in the heart of Leicester’s midfield, and his experience helped to wrestle back control of the affair.

In his 45-minute cameo, Winks enjoyed a 93 percent pass accuracy, created two chances, and played 11 passes into the final third.

After the game, Cifuentes explained his bold decision to withdraw Skipp at half-time and replace him with Winks.

Cifuentes said: “In the first half, we were quite slow. At the start of the second half, we were much better.

“Skipp was doing well, but dropping Winks into the base improves the tempo. It’s a win for the whole group.”

Despite Winks’ positive cameo, the Foxes boss admitted after the game that the midfielder was not man-of-the-match.

• READ MORE: ‘Abomination’, ‘Outstanding’ – Leicester City fans left divided by what Wout Faes did in Sheffield Wednesday win

Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles was ‘best player’

Despite the defeat, Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles was in exceptional form throughout the clash.

The Owls keeper made 11 saves and was imperative in keeping Sheffield Wednesday in contention against the flurry of Foxes attacks.

Cifuentes singled out Charles for praise after the game. He added: “Winks is a strong player and he did really well for the team.

“In my opinion, their goalkeeper was the best player and that shows that maybe we could have scored more goals.”

With Leicester and Rangers interested in Charles, Cifuentes saw first-hand how impressive the potential transfer target was, who could be seen as a future Foxes number one after Mads Hermansen joined West Ham.