Rodgers Issues Manchester City Warning

By Nigel Philips

Brendan Rodgers has warned Pep Guardiola that Manchester City would face significant competition from Leicester City when the two sides meet in the Premier League on Monday.

Manchester City's hunt for a second consecutive Premier League title would be put to the test by a Leicester City side handled by Brendan Rodgers.

Only a point separates Manchester City and Liverpool on the Premier League table as the campaign nears its closure, and Rodgers tells Guardiola and City ahead of the matchday 37 clash at the Etihad Stadium that Leicester City can beat every opponent.
                                       
"We have a plan and a model of work we believe can beat any team," he told a news conference on Thursday.

"We know there are players who can make that last pass, be incisive, and it's about showing quality when we have the ball. The players have confidence. They know they can get the result."

Rodgers took questions on the three-year anniversary of Leicester's remarkable title triumph, which was secured after Chelsea held Leicester's nearest challengers, Tottenham Hotspurs, to an ill-tempered 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

"I remember watching the game - it looked like it was a good party, that's for sure," said Rodgers. "It was an amazing story, one of the greatest moments in sport."

"At the time it was an incredible story, and over time it will continue to be there. It was based around belief, team spirit, and quality. What the story told us is the impossible can become possible. It is always great when it happens."

Shinji Okazaki, who played in all but two league games of the 2015-16 season, is due to leave Leicester after this season in search of regular first-team football.

Rodgers said of the 33-year-old: "He leaves as a champion, as a legend in the club's history."

"I have spoken to him and at this stage of his career, he was wanting to have an opportunity to maybe play in Europe somewhere, with the opportunity to play as a striker."

"But his contribution at this club has been immense. He played a part in the great history here at Leicester City."