Marti Cifuentes determined to build new identity at Leicester

Marti Cifuentes is seeing a change in culture at Leicester after they beat high-flying Stoke 2-1.

Despite their opponents controlling long periods as they chased a top-two place in the Championship, the Foxes demonstrated their ruthlessness to lead 2-0 at the break.

Stephy Mavididi opened his account for the campaign in style, teasing three defenders out of position before rifling past Viktor Johansson in the 23rd minute before Patson Daka ended his near year-long goal drought just before the break.

Bae Jun-ho reduced the deficit two minutes after the interval but Leicester held on to win back-to-back matches, having failed to take maximum points from their previous five.

Appointed over the summer after the club’s relegation from the Premier League, Cifuentes said: “We want to build an identity, on and off the pitch, which can sustain the things we are looking for.

“I’ve spoken in the past about a change in the culture and mentality which can help the squad.

“Everyone is working very hard for each other. They care for each other and that is always the foundation of any competitive team.

“What happened before is not really my concern. But I spoke about changing things and I know you can’t just do that and forget about performances.

“That is the pressure of being a manager. I am here and I enjoy that pressure. I am aware of the stature of the club and what is expected.”

With his side now only a point off the play-off positions, Cifuentes added: “This is a very important period of the season which will define where we are up to the next international break. The nature of the Championship means you sometimes have to win this way, so I’m pleased.”

Stoke remain third despite suffering what manager Mark Robins described as an avoidable defeat with their former goalkeeper Asmir Begovic impressing for Leicester.

Robins said: “I thought we deserved something out of the game but we made two mistakes that cost us two goals.

“We are all human beings and we are allowed to make mistakes. The trouble is, if you make them against a team which has just come down from the Premier League, it makes things very difficult.

“I’m frustrated because we have had good opportunities to create a little bit more. We chose the wrong option too many times and that’s part of our evolution.

“They didn’t and they had that ruthlessness. But we showed a really good reaction.

“We can’t lose games in this manner and expect to remain in the top six. But there needs to be a dose of realism because where we have come from, and where they have come from, is chalk and cheese.

“Now we’ve got two home games coming up and we need to make them count.”