Rodgers challenges Leicester to 'create a legacy' in FA Cup final

Brendan Rodgers challenges his players to ‘create an incredible legacy’ by beating Chelsea at Wembley in the FA Cup final as Leicester boss insists his team have a ‘great chance’ despite odds being against them

  • Leicester take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 
  • Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has urged his players to win and make history
  • Having not made the historic final since 1969, history beckons for Leicester 

Brendan Rodgers has urged Leicester to create history ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final.

The Foxes face Chelsea at Wembley in their first FA Cup final in 52 years and are yet to win the trophy.

The club has lost their previous four finals, the last coming against Manchester City in 1969, and Rodgers knows the Foxes can leave a legacy.

Brendan Rodgers (right) is calling on his Leicester players to make history in the FA Cup final

He said: ‘We have earned the right to be in the final and we will arrive with an opportunity to make our own history. We feel we’re in with a chance and if we can play to our level we have a great chance.

‘We have watched it (the Cup final) all through our lives, to be able to lead Leicester out for the first time in 50-odd years will be a real privilege for me.

‘These weeks you always have to stay calm. This is a game where you can create an incredible legacy, you write your own stories in these games.

‘We have exactly the same preparation (as other games). The consequence of the game is greater than others but you don’t need to magnify an FA Cup final to raise any levels of anxiety.’

Rodgers is convinced that Leicester have a ‘great chance’ against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea

Jonny Evans faces a race against time to make the final having missed the last two games with a persistent heel problem.

The defender came off in the warm up against Newcastle earlier this month but Rodgers will give him as long as possible to prove his fitness.

He said: ‘We’re giving him another day, he has progressed really well in the last 24 hours. He looked very good and we’ll see what the reaction is after that and make the final decision tomorrow.

‘It’s just a discussion between myself and Jonny, you always have to speak to the players and Jonny is a warrior. If there is any way he can play – even if he is not 100 per cent – he will be out there.

‘It’s going to be a physical game so we need good physicality and running ability, if that’s hindered in any way it may make it difficult for him.’

The Foxes boss (right) feels victory over Chelsea would see his side create an incredible legacy

Cengiz Under has been nursing a hip problem while Harvey Barnes and James Justin (knee) remain out along with Wes Morgan (back).

A crowd of 21,000 will be at Wembley with Chelsea and Leicester allocated 6,250 tickets each as part of the pilot to test the return of big crowds to venues amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Rodgers added: ‘Just to know in such a special occasion we are going to have people there with our backs and looking after us (is great).

‘Wembley is an iconic stadium so for them to watch the team play in a final will be really special for them.’ 




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