Leicester City

Image source, Getty Images

Leicester City academy graduate Kasey McAteer says the Foxes are "just looking forward now" after falling 17 points adrift from Premier League safety, but reassured supporters that the players "won't stop trying or fighting" this season.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leicester after making his first start since Leicester City's 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United in December, McAteer said: "I haven't played for a long time and I've been very frustrated, but I haven't stopped working hard and I've been putting it in day-in day-out in training.

"It's times like this where you can tell you have worked hard in training because you can feel it. I felt a little bit of cramp in my calf towards the end of the game, but I think that's because I ran myself into the ground.

"I did everything I could out there on the pitch - and hopefully I keep getting given the opportunity.

"As a team, we are just looking forward now. What has happened in the past is in the past, so we are just looking forward. We can build on today and then what will be, will be. We won't stop trying or fighting.

"We've had results this season that we cannot let happen again, such as the Tottenham away win and then going to Everton where we were beaten. We cannot let that be a thing that keeps happening to Leicester.

"We need to keep looking forward and putting the hard work in, then we can see where we are at the end of the season. We will just keep trying our best."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Kate Blakemore
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

"We scored a goal, we scored a goal, we scored a goal..."

Such was the elation at scoring our first goal in 758 minutes at Brighton, this chant went on and on.

It has been a long-running debate among Leicester fans as to whether this squad was ever good enough to stay up. From the performance on Saturday, one could argue that Leicester really should have been in the mix and looking to finish near the top of the bottom six, had we got our house in order.

The stark fact, though, is that our house has not found any kind of "order" all season and this performance has come far too late and far too infrequently.

Changing managers so early in the season is a high-risk strategy but such is the financial precipice with modern football that these hasty decisions are made.

Leicester have had pace and width available all season, but Saturday was one of the few times that these attributes were utilised with the correct personnel, coupled with the return of Ricardo Pereira to his inverted full-back role at 61 minutes - the key ingredient of our promotion season.

Ricardo has not been available under Ruud van Nistelrooy because of injury, yet Steve Cooper made the decision to exclude Pereira continually during his tenure. Ruud has not really played with legitimate wingers or an attacking midfield (Patson Daka being the makeshift right winger in recent games), so were we ever giving ourselves a chance with these two managers? Hindsight is 20:20.

To achieve survival, your available players must play in the correct positions to try to force an attack in this increasingly possession-based game. We have experienced square pegs, round holes; tactics that are the antithesis of where our strengths lie.

But I am glad we finally had something to cheer about and some glimpses that the spirit of Leicester is still there. Just in time for the Championship.

Find more from Kate Blakemore at Leicester Till I Die, external

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on the 2-2 draw between Brighton and Leicester in the Premier League.

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

Stuart: One of the worst performances I've seen at the Amex. Dunk was really poor, and I love Hinshelwood, but he's not a right-back - he is constantly out of position. Too many passes on the edge of the box, please just shoot. Leicester deserved the point.

Jas: As awful as it was predictable. There weren't many Brighton fans turning up expecting us to win. The squad is ravaged by injuries, Dunk very sadly no longer good enough for this level and a head coach that's just been given a role too big for him. Any talk of Europe has to stop as we should just hope we can finish in the top half. It's been a really underwhelming season. Need it to be over quickly!

Anton: See it so many times, great play and clever moves until it gets to the last strike, then it all goes wrong. We have missed a ton of goals season after season which should have been converted. Watching us move the ball with clever calculated passes, great intelligent game play and sometimes an almost second sight, just to be let down in front of goal.

Leicester fans

Brad: Who is this Leicester side?! Couldn't score if our lives depended on it! And yet on Saturday they played like a team that had something to fight for! Let's hope we can now end this season on a bit of a high.

Mick: Mavididi our best player - why hasn't the manager used him this season? There's a half decent team in there somewhere but Van Nistelrooy hasn't got a clue what his best team is, nor can he inspire them to fight for the club whose shirt they are wearing.

Dave: A much better performance from the lads and on another day with a different referee we may have won the game. Coady penalty was harsh, Mavididi not given a penalty when his opponent had his hands around the neck/throat and his face. Encouraging signs, but we had them against West Ham too just after Ruud arrived.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Leicester coach Mike Stowell highlighted winger Stephy Mavididi as one of Leicester's standout performers in Saturday's draw with Brighton.

Speaking to the When You're Smiling Podcast, Stowell said: "He was a joy to watch. As supporters, it's not all about hard tackling, strong challenges and running hard. You want to see exciting flair players and he was that player today.

"Where has that been? Has he been under the weather, has he had a fall out with the manager? We're guessing here, but based on that performance, you pick him every week.

"Performances like that give you hope for next season. When some of the players like Casey McAteer and Mavididi put in performances like that, you think about building on that with those players for next season. Some of these players will be fighting for contracts and fighting for their place next season."

Listen to the full discussion here

The latest episode of BBC Radio Leicester's 'When You're Smiling' podcast has landed.

Mike Stowell offers post-match reaction to the 2-2 draw with Brighton, plus a chat with Foxes boss Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Highlights and analysis from Saturday's five Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Nottingham Forest 0-1 Everton

• Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Speaking before the trip to Brighton, Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy promised his side will keep fighting despite relegation from the Premier League looming large over them.

"There's always a fight left, there's always a future, whatever the scenario," the Dutchman said.

And fight they did in a spirited 2-2 draw against Brighton as Stephy Mavididi and Caleb Okoli scored to help them came back from behind twice and earn their first point in nine league matches.

The Seagulls were pushing for a place in Europe and it was no surprise it was the home side that started the game on the front foot, with Joao Pedro pulling them ahead from the penalty spot.

But Leicester fought back as Mavididi ended their run of 885 minutes without a goal in the top flight to make it 1-1 before they conceded a penalty again soon after the restart.

But the Foxes displayed grit and determination, which they have lacked for most of the season, to rescue a point as Okoli headed home from a Bilal El Khannouss free-kick in the 74th minute.

The Foxes' fighting display at Brighton is one that would have pleased Van Nistelrooy.

But it could prove too little and too late for his side as an instant return to the Championship could be confirmed as early as next Sunday when they face leaders Liverpool and 17th-placed Wolves take on Manchester United.

Image source, Getty Images

Ruud Van Nistelrooy spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Leicester's draw against Brighton: "We could've nicked it. Verbruggen saved Bilal El Khannouss's shot just slightly on to the post. We had some opportunities to score the third and the second half was better of the two, Brighton were better in the first half.

"The season couldn't end like this with a lack of goals or with this run of form and we broke that cycle today.

"We want to finish the season in a positive way to ensure we start the next season as good as we can."

Image source, Getty Images

Stephy Mavididi netted Leicester City's first Premier League goal since Bilal El Khannouss' winner against Tottenham Hotspur in January, having conceded 22 goals since last scoring. Indeed, it's the second-longest run in the same Premier League campaign after Ipswich Town in April 1995 (27 conceded).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Brighton's performance

Foxes fans, what did you make of Leicester's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

If you ever want a game to get back on track, just play Leicester.

They have lost eight successive league games without scoring, and that run is not going to end here.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was a dreadful appointment as manager but I do not blame him nor his predecessor, Steve Cooper, for the Foxes' awful season because there is a deeper underlying problem at the club.

It did not help, then, that the players seemed to think - and probably still do - that they are better than they are.

The fans were expecting too much from this season too, but I doubt that is the case any more, because their team has been so feeble.

Brighton have taken only one point from their past three matches so they need a win to boost their hopes of finishing in the European places.

I have absolutely no doubt they will get it - the only question is how many will they score.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say

Five matches make up Saturday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Manchester City v Crystal Palace (12:30)

• Brighton v Leicester City

• Nottingham Forest v Everton

• Southampton v Aston Villa

• Arsenal v Brentford (17:30)

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Image source, Getty Images

There are lots of different perspectives in terms of how you watch a game of football, and I think for the majority of time the people in the stadium get the best atmosphere, but the worst views of how a game has actually gone.

You don't really get the chance to see multiple replays and have discussions about things, because you just get caught up in the moment.

With the incoming semi automated offsides, they did promise it earlier in the season - but I think the caveat was they're only going to do it when it's ready.

It is a positive that they didn't do it when it wasn't ready.

One upside to to the new technology is some of the arguments disappear. Previously you could say 'but it looks like it's this to me' or 'it looks like it's that to me'. When it is presented now, there aren't many people that will then be looking at the animation, going back to the video, and then going down a proper conspiracy rabbit hole.

So, it ends more arguments, not all arguments, but more arguments.

I think people, as a consequence, will be more accepting of it.

But, I still do believe that there's things for people to understand, because it can't be used in every situation. There are certain decisions which can still be a little bit more complex, and there's certain times where human intervention will still need to be brought in.

I wouldn't say it's as clear as, say, goal line technology, but it's a step in the direction to where most people feel more comfortable accepting the outcome and the speed of it as well will be encouraged.

It's not to say that it's going to be instant. If you believe this is going to be perfect, and always extremely fast, ask yourself, why do you think that?

Unless somebody has told you that from PGMOL, then take it with a pinch of salt and you see how it goes.

I think it's something that many people have seen before so hopefully there will be fewer arguments.

But, because it's football, there'll always be something to argue about the end of the day.

Image source, Getty Images

Earlier, we asked how many players have made more than 200 Premier League appearances for Leicester City.

The answer is five: Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel, Marc Albrighton, Muzzy Izzet and Wilfred Ndidi.

Former captain Matt Elliott is rooted on 199 league appearances for the Foxes.

Former Leicester striker Steve Howard has been reacting on the When You're Smiling podcast about Ruud van Nistelrooy's statement that he wanted to be "aligned" with the club. The manager said it is "very important for me to be aligned" and "that alignment needs to take place".

When asked if that needs to be sorted now, Van Nistelrooy told media "it needs to be sorted yesterday".

Howard told the BBC Radio Leicester podcast: "What does that mean aligned? The more and more I hear that, I was thinking is he having a pop at those above him? To say there's no money there, we are not aligned with my vision of what we need. I don't know if he's gone into the boardroom and said this team isn't good enough.

"I didn't know if he's using the aligned phrase to say we need five, six, seven players and the board are saying no. So we need to be aligned.

"He is saying all the right thing as if to say the most important thing is to get the club back. But he never really said if he wants to be there. I think he's resigned himself to say he won't be there.

"I think he knows fine well he wont be at the club come next season. I think he is regrouping and trying to say the right things, like 'I tried my best and didn't have the support from the board'."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

How many players have made more than 200 Premier League appearances for Leicester?

Can you name them - and the player stuck on 199?

Come back to this page at 17:00 BST for the answer

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ruud van Nistelrooy has promised to fight on at Leicester but even the biggest optimist knows their Premier League future is bleak.

Second bottom, 15 points from safety with seven games left, the Foxes could also set a club-record of nine-straight defeats if they lose at Brighton on Saturday.

The decision to replace Steve Cooper with Van Nistelrooy in November has backfired with the Dutchman winning just three of his 20 games.

He said discussions over the future will happen but they are talks which need to start sooner rather than later.

Questions over the commitment of the players, as well as over the intensity and quality of training have been posed this week as the Foxes slip towards relegation.

Yet Van Nistelrooy is adamant there is still a desire for a battle at the bottom.

He said: "There's always a fight left, there's always a future, whatever the scenario and when that comes to a conclusion, either way there is a future and that means there is a fight.

"It's a challenge to break the cycle, you need personality and character to break this. It's going on too long, it's very hard but there's only one way to break it and that's to fight and believe we can end this cycle.

"On the other hand you learn so much in difficult times and know when you get out of this you can use it in a great way. I've learned so much in the last four months."

Van Nistelrooy is always measured in his responses and his mood has remained balanced, despite Leicester's awful run.

That was why there was surprise at his reaction to the Newcastle defeat where he swerved questions on his future and was noticeably upset on Monday night.

He clarified the loss hurt him and he just needed to sleep on it before being refreshed but the run of results finally took a toll.

Defeat at Brighton will push Leicester closer to the inevitable instant return to the Championship and while Van Nistelrooy has vowed not to walk away, there are too many unanswered questions over the club's direction.

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brighton (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Wout Faes is a doubt after "picking up a small injury" which left him unable to train on Thursday. He will be reassessed ahead of the trip to Amex Stadium.

• It is "definitely possible" for Ricardo Pereira to feature in his starting line-up this weekend. His experience playing as an inverted full-back could have a "big influence" in changing the Foxes' "current momentum".

• When asked about Harry Winks' absence from his recent matchday squads, he replied: "The club is in a period now where it shouldn't be about individuals. These conversations with individuals take place behind closed doors and it is important to keep it like that."

• On the mood in camp after losing their eighth consecutive game without scoring, he said: "It is clear that it is blow after blow. Of course you are always hurt when you don't win or when things aren't going your way, but it adds up. Every time it gets harder to recover from."

• After naming an unchanged starting XI in their last four matches, he could make some personnel changes and a back four could return against Brighton. However, he doesn't believe their current form is due to "tactics or systems".

• He added: "The players worry too much, which is normal, so they aren't free enough to show their own qualities. That's where character comes in to force yourself to be at your best, and keep that confidence and mental toughness on show."

• On whether Premier League survival is an impossible job, he responded: "I don't think you can say it is impossible. The target now is to build Leicester City back up. It is very difficult to stay up. It is very difficult to compete in the last games. It is important to use the lessons learned."

• Conversations about his future at the club are yet to begin, but he will continue his job for as long as he is needed. His current focus and commitment is on "working with the players and the club to fight through this and show that we can break this cycle".

• He added: "I am taking full responsibility for it and I am fully committed to this task. It is why I came here - I came here to do my job in any circumstances."

• Jeremy Monga's Premier League debut was "a great reward for his talent and the work he puts in". The academy product has the "physical and mental capabilities" to cope with the demands of Premier League football, but the club doesn't want to progress the 15-year-old "too quickly".

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

Leicester have lost each of their past eight Premier League games without scoring a single goal. They could become the first team to lose nine consecutive top-flight games without reply in history.

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Eddie Howe was the main figure of course, but Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall also played a part. Whenever Howe was talking to his players at a set piece or to the substitutes waiting to come on, Tindall would move into position so there was almost always one of them at the front of the area.

Howe was also in constant talks with Tindall at the back of the technical area or writing notes down in his notebook. When the second goal went in, Howe immediately called over Joelinton for a tactical chat, and he did similar with a number of other players when the third went in, despite the big lead.

Ruud van Nistelrooy had his head in his hands after the visitors scored after a couple of minutes and was noticeably getting more and more frustrated at his side's inability to keep the ball as sloppy mistakes became more frequent.

He spent most of the opening half hour on the edge of the technical area, but after Newcastle's third goal, he watched the rest of the half from his seat. He did return to the edge of the technical area for most of the second half though, with most of the home fans leaving well before the end.

See what all the other managers did

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The atmosphere at Seagrave has plummeted as Leicester's squad struggles to raise morale before their expected relegation.

Multiple sources have told BBC Sport players have also questioned the intensity and quality of training and feel the squad have been resigned to their fate.

Monday's 3-0 defeat by Newcastle saw them become the first team in Premier League history to lose eight home games in a row without scoring a goal.

It also equalled their record losing run which was set towards the end of 2000-01, when they finished 13th and still beat the drop by 14 points.

The Foxes are 15 points from safety with 21 left to play for.

Defender Conor Coady has been one of the more vocal members of the squad as he tries to lift the mood around the club.

Coady, who was captain at Wolves, is recognised as a leader and has been central to trying to ensure the players' heads do not drop any further.

The squad had previously enjoyed Ruud van Nistelrooy's training sessions but there is now a growing fear too many are going through the motions as relegation looms.

The Foxes - who have lost 15 of their past 16 league games - go to Brighton on Saturday aiming to avoid a club-record ninth straight defeat.

It is not surprising morale is low and full-back James Justin admitted confidence was rock bottom amid their wretched run.

"It's hard to describe, to be honest, with how it's been and it makes us feel awful," he told Premier League Productions.

"You feel disconnection and disappointment when you step off the pitch. All we can do is give our all for the shirt. It's not been good enough for a couple of months now.

"It's hard to find confidence. I don't know how many games it's been since we last picked up a point. It's a horrible moment for the club with how we're playing on the pitch and trying to regain any confidence."

Chris Forryan
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

I am 64 years old and I have never been more ashamed of my club.

Supporting Leicester, it's said, is like a rollercoaster ride with the ups and downs. Well this lot are a total embarrassment to Leicester City Football Club.

If you look up irony in the dictionary it will have Leicester City, with a definition reading: "Manager once scored in 10 consecutive games. Current striker holds record of scoring in 11 consecutive games. Current team haven't scored in 834 minutes of football."

But this goes beyond the players.

Since King Power bought the club we have had 11 managers, sacking 10 of them. This equates to changing managers every 490 days, or 1.34 years or 16.09 months. We are only three behind Chelsea in the same time.

But the blame has to sit firmly with Top. He's the boss and he may play Santa Claus and write off a lot of our debt, but it is under his watch we got into the debt we have.

Looking at some of the 10 sacked managers. Sousa had a 33.3% win rate, Eriksson 43.6%, Ranieri 43.6%, Rodgers 45.1%... I could go on. Even Dean Smith had a 25% win rate while Steve Cooper managed 20%. Ruud van Nistlerooy is on 15% so what the hell is he still doing in the job?

Top, you cost us relegation by not sacking Rodgers early enough, now you are doubling down with doing the same thing with Ruud. Do you seriously think this is the man to bring us back up and keep us up?

We love you Top, but you need to act now and sack Van Nistelrooy along with Whelan and Rudkin. At the moment our board is looking like it is jobs for the boys.

Find more from Chris Forryan at Leicester Till I Die, external