Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has been speaking to the media before Sunday’s Premier League game against Liverpool at King Power Stadium (kick-off 16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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The Foxes’ relegation could be confirmed before they play on Sunday, although they will definitely be down if they fail to beat the Premier League leaders. Van Nistelrooy said: “We’ve been in these circumstances [in the bottom three] for a long time. It’s not a matter of it being mathematically done or not, it’s about us showing ourselves in every possible way for every minute we’re in this league. It doesn’t affect that bit.”
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The former Netherlands striker added: “It’s a bigger thing here. We’re trying to shape a future here and those weeks are vital for every player. That is what keeps us going.”
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Van Nistelrooy reported no new injury concerns, while Wout Faes and Jeremy Monga are likely to be back in full training on Friday and available for Sunday’s game.
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He said it was a “big moment” for Abdul Fatawu to return to training on grass, as he continues his recovery from the serious knee injury he sustained in November.
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Asked about the positives from last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Brighton, when the Foxes ended their long goal drought, Van Nistelrooy said his side gave a “spirited performance” and it is “something to build on”.
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On Liverpool, who could be confirmed as Premier League champions on Sunday: “The general quality of the squad is very balanced. Mohamed Salah’s form has been a huge factor in them achieving their goals, and also Arne Slot and his assistants have done a tremendous job in their first season to be in this position to be able to win it.”
Listen to commentary of Leicester v Liverpool on BBC Radio 5 Live at 16:30 on Sunday
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