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Steve Drops Bombshell”- Cooper revealed why Ricardo Pereira isn’t starting when
asked about why James Justin has been starting ahead of Ricardo Pereira this season, Cooper remained vague in his answer.
Leicester City Riding High with Back-to-Back Wins Ahead of Derby Clash
Leicester City enters a new phase of optimism after securing consecutive victories in the Premier League. Steve Cooper’s side edged past Southampton 3-2 over the weekend, extending their gap from the relegation zone to six points.
Abdul Fatawu’s impressive performance was pivotal in turning the game around, earning him widespread praise, though Harry Winks also played a crucial role in the comeback.
As attention shifts to Friday’s East Midlands derby against Nottingham Forest, Cooper addressed the media, responding to questions about key selection decisions—particularly the absence of Ricardo Pereira from the starting lineup, a topic that has sparked debate among supporters.
Cooper Explains Pereira’s Omission
When asked about favoring James Justin over Pereira this season, Cooper gave a measured response.
“You want fans to have discussions,” he told Leicestershire Live. “We face similar debates when making team selections. It’s just part of managing performances.
“If every position was as competitive as JJ and Ricardo’s, we’d be in a strong place, and we need to embrace that.”
For now, it seems Justin will keep his spot at right-back, despite being involved in Southampton’s opening goal last weekend.
Defensive Issues on the Right Flank Acknowledged
Cooper also acknowledged the defensive vulnerabilities on the right side but stressed that the focus remains on the collective performance.
“It’s always a team issue. We don’t single out individuals. It’s something we recognize and will continue to address,” he added.
Leicester aims to extend their winning streak to three on Friday, and with a victory, they could rise as high as ninth in the table. It promises to be a defining week in the East Midlands derby.
