Claude Puel Leicester City Premier League 2018Michael Regan

'He liked it a lot' - Puel eyes Carabao Cup success in tribute to Srivaddhanaprabha

Claude Puel says Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was fond of the Carabao Cup, giving Leicester City even more motivation to pursue a deep run in the competition as tribute.

The Foxes host Southampton on Tuesday night for the fourth-round clash that was originally postponed by in the aftermath of the helicopter crash which killed Srivaddhanaprabha in October.

A run in the competition would be helpful for the club through the emotional time and it would also serve as a fitting tribute to the late owner.

"It's important to play all these games with the right desire and good aggressiveness and mentality. We have the squad to maintain a good level," said Puel.

"It will be a good opportunity for the squad to perform together and to win something. We know the importance of winning something. The cup will be important for us.

"The chairman liked it a lot and it will be our desire to try to perform. We know the difficulties in the cup, but it's a good motivation."

The Foxes will be without defender Harry Maguire, while midfielder James Maddison will serve a one-match suspension in Tuesday's match, one which comes in the aftermath of a run that has seen the club draw three of its last four Premier League matches.

While a strong performance on Tuesday would mean a lot emotionally, it would also work wonders for the team's confidence heading into the winter months.

"Before we had a good togetherness, but of course after an event [like that] we have more focus, more concentration on the objective," Puel said.

"It's a common aim. The most important thing is to play together, to perform and to pay tribute to our chairman at the end.

"It's our responsibility and I hope we can have this in our head all the time."

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