"We'll Be Ready for Sunday" – Ruud van Nistelrooy Issues warning Ahead of Chelsea Encounter

Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has spoken about the massive challenge ahead as his team prepares to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, March 9. With the Foxes struggling in the Premier League relegation zone, Van Nistelrooy knows his team must start picking up points quickly.

The Dutchman admitted he was thankful for the longer break between fixtures, as it allowed him to properly analyze Leicester’s recent defeat to West Ham and prepare for the trip to London.

“We had a long week to work, to look at the West Ham game,” Van Nistelrooy said.
“We’ve had five sessions together to prepare. Every second we use, and we’ve always done that. You have to recover from a bad result and rise again, but this team is capable of doing it.”

With just 11 games left in the season and Leicester currently five points from safety, the pressure is growing. Van Nistelrooy admitted that his team has entered “must-win” territory and needs to fight hard to stay in the Premier League.

“The approach is, and always has been, to get the maximum amount out of the game, and to win. If you can’t win, then to protect the result at the end.”

The Foxes have lost 11 of their last 12 league games, but Van Nistelrooy remains confident that his squad can turn things around.

“We’re in a situation where we all have to show our character and be resilient. That is a collective thing, and you have to lead by example as a manager and as coaching staff.”

Sunday’s clash will also have an extra layer of intrigue, as Leicester will face their former manager, Enzo Maresca. The Argentine coach led the Foxes to promotion last season before leaving to take charge at Chelsea.

Van Nistelrooy acknowledged that Maresca knows Leicester’s squad well, but he believes his team will be well-prepared.

“He knows the squad, but with all the games and how we’re able to analyze the opponents, we have the information to be prepared. We’ll be ready for Sunday.”

Van Nistelrooy also watched Chelsea’s recent game against Copenhagen and studied their playing style. He understands the quality Chelsea possesses and how desperate they are to finish in the top four.

“I watched their game yesterday [against Copenhagen] and I looked at how they play, their approach, the squad they have, and the fight they are in to qualify for the Champions League.”

With Chelsea battling for a spot in next season’s Champions League and Leicester fighting to avoid relegation, both teams have a lot at stake. Sunday’s match at Stamford Bridge promises to be a highly competitive encounter as Van Nistelrooy looks to inspire his team to a crucial result.