Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game at Newcastle United (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Van Nistelrooy confirmed Wilfred Ndidi will not be available for Saturday because of a hamstring injury and Harry Winks is also “doubtful” as he has only recently returned to partial team training.
On the impact of midfielder Ollie Skipp: “[He’s] a very good age. He’s a young talented player with a bit of experience already. A very good team player who helped the team against Brighton. He’s very dynamic, good on the ball and can track back. He’s a very good person to have around because we have injuries and suspensions so he’s happy to fill in.”
On four points from his opening two matches in charge: “It’s been great to use the first two games to look at what we’re trying to achieve. We took that into training to further develop, how we attack and progress up the pitch and we’ve had a good week. Tomorrow we still have training to work on more things.”
On the mood in the camp before travelling to Newcastle: “The progress over the past two games – the results, the confidence – I want to take that into this game. In the end, the progress of the individual and the team will give you the most chance of winning points.”
On facing Newcastle: “We look at the individual qualities they have and the potential they can have. We have to prepare for that. It’s a great squad with good options from the bench. We’ll have to be spot on to get a result on Saturday.”
On whether there will be any transfer business in January: “It’s a continuous process. I like how organised the club is in preparing different opportunities, but you can’t start thinking about them. I’m first of all looking at our current squad and in the under-21s, [seeing] who’s available and assessing them like Henry Cartwright.”
