Ruud van Nistelrooy refused to directly point fingers at individual Leicester City players despite another mistake costing his side.
The City manager watched his team lose a fifth straight match at Aston Villa, with Leon Bailey scoring the winner for the home side 15 minutes from time. Again, it was a City error that led to the decisive goal although there was perhaps a debate over who the culprit was.
James Justin took an age to clear his lines, eventually trying to play a pass to Jordan Ayew’s feet. But Ayew was too slow to the ball, with Ian Maatsen stealing in and setting up Bailey.
While van Nistelrooy would not name names, his answer suggested that he felt Justin was at fault. The manager said City would have been well worth the point they’d have claimed without that moment.
“It’s clear,” van Nistelrooy said. “You’ve seen it, I’ve seen it and the players know. So there’s no need to emphasise it. I can’t hold anything against anyone because it was an honest mistake.
“Nobody wanted to give the ball away in such moments, but it’s something you have to learn from because it’s costing you. It would have been a hard fought point away at Villa and a positive. Every week we’re getting closer to converting good performances into results.
It’s not about blaming and pointing, it’s about handling the situation as a team and clearing away from danger. I don’t hold anything against one of my players.
“I can only praise them for their efforts for the way they played together as a team. It’s a foundation for points. They’re vital to give yourself the rewards.”
Van Nistelrooy felt the game followed a similar pattern to the final game of 2024, when City lost 2-0 at Manchester City despite performing well. As a whole, they were stronger defensively and more composed on the ball.
He added: “I can repeat myself from last week. It was a good performance, a decent performance. But I think through our own mistakes we let in the two goals, especially the second one.
Leicester City Fans Demand Apology from James Justin After Horror Show vs Aston Villa
Leicester City supporters have turned on James Justin, slamming his disastrous performance in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. Head Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy’s disappointment was palpable.
Justin’s mistakes proved costly, gifting Villa two goals. Fans and van Nistelrooy alike expect accountability. “Unacceptable display,” van Nistelrooy said. “Justin must own up.”
The match highlighted Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities. Aston Villa dominated possession, controlling 58% of the game. Justin’s errors underscored the team’s struggles.
Supporters took to social media, demanding an apology. “Apologize, Justin!” and “Bench him!” echoed across platforms.
Van Nistelrooy emphasized, “Players must take responsibility. Apologies are necessary, but actions speak louder.” Justin’s response remains awaited.
Leicester’s bottom standing in the Premier League intensifies pressure. Upcoming fixtures against tough opponents demand immediate improvement.
Will James Justin apologize and rebound? Only time will tell.
