Claude Puel welcomes interest in James Maddison but insists player should stay at Leicester

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Boss Claude Puel has welcomed Tottenham’s interest in James Maddison because it proves his methods are working – but insists he should stay at Leicester.

    Spurs hold a long-standing interest in the midfielder and have again been linked with a summer move.

    Maddison is in his first season at Leicester after joining from Norwich for £24million and has five goals in 25 games, earning a senior England call in October.

    Leicester face Spurs at Wembley on Sunday and Puel feels interest in his players compliments the Foxes.

    He said: “It’s a good feeling because if we play with poor performances and no possibility to develop players then other clubs wouldn’t be interested.

    Puel's decision to take off midfielder Maddison against United was jeered by some sections of the home fans.

    Puel’s decision to take off midfielder Maddison against United was jeered by some sections of the home fans.

    “It shows we’re developing our players, not just young ones – this is a good thing.

    “Of course he is better off here – not just this player. Interest from other clubs means they are showing their quality. But he’s still got a lot to learn and room to develop. This is the right place to work.

    “Lots of players in our club are attracting interest from other clubs. This is a good feeling because they have time to develop their work and themselves.

    “Leicester is a good club and we are showing the project we are trying to put in place.”

    Maddison penned a five-year contract when he moved to the King Power Stadium in June.

    But Puel was hesitant to stay the Foxes would be ready to give him a bumper new deal to keep him.

    “This player is just starting his career in the Premier League so he needs to keep focus and concentration,” he added.

    Puel was jeered for substituting Maddison in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United and he has taken him off in eight of the last 10 games.

    But the Frenchman insisted the 22-year-old is not the complete player and needs to improve.

    He said: “For young players, they need to show good consistency in games for 90 minutes. Maddison is a young player and has not shown consistency all the time.

    “It’s normal for young players. At the beginning of the season he was more clinical and needs to find this edge again.

    “It’s not easy for young players to keep the same level of consistency and concentration all the time. They have possibilities to make mistakes because we are patient with them.”

    Recommended