MX23RW : Friday, August 3 16:08:05
Aug 10, 2018 at 7.45pm UK at ​Old Trafford
Man UtdManchester United
vs.
LeicesterLeicester City

Claude Puel hits back at Jose Mourinho ahead of Premier League opener

Puel hits back at Mourinho ahead of PL opener
© Reuters
Claude Puel insists that Leicester City will be just as disadvantaged as Manchester United when the two sides face off in just under a fortnight's time.

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has told Jose Mourinho to stop moaning about Manchester United's so-called 'disadvantage' ahead of their Premier League opener.

Speaking on the Red Devils' tour of the United States earlier this week, the Portuguese suggested that Leicester were in a "much better position" than his side ahead of the August 10 clash at Old Trafford.

Mourinho felt that the number of players yet to return to training because of World Cup commitments, including Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku, would hamper United in the early stages of the season.

Asked about the remarks, however, Puel pointed out that City have also been without some of their key men, with 10 players taking part in the tournament.

"I listened a little to Jose Mourinho. He was angry about being without his international players and the difficulty to prepare his game," he told reporters.

"It is exactly the same for us. It is not possible for the moment to develop our game, our play, and to develop a good understanding because we play with a lot of players, with different game-times, at different levels without some players for the beginning of the season.

"It is tough. For the moment, we cannot work on our collective without the starting players. We have to manage this period with good mentality. It is difficult for the players."

England duo Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire have yet to return to training with Leicester, as well as Japan striker Shinji Okazaki.

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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho patrols the touchline during the 2018 FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley
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