FA Cup: Why Leicester City defeated Chelsea - Coach Brendan Rodgers

FA Cup: Why Leicester City defeated Chelsea - Coach Brendan Rodgers

Leicester City manager, Brendan Rodgers has said his players defeated Chelsea because they approached the game courageously.

Youri Tielemans' stunning long-range strike sealed Leicester's first FA Cup final win.

Chelsea would have leveled the game but a late 'equaliser' by Ben Chilwell was ruled out by VAR.

Speaking after the game, Rodgers described Leicester's win as a historic, proud moment for the club.

He said: "I'm very proud. It's a historical day for the football club, winning the FA Cup for the first time in their history, and clearly a special day.

"I'm so happy for the players, they were so courageous in the game. For the supporters, who have lost four finals. And for [Leicester owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha] 'Top' and his family, it's a dream of theirs to win the FA Cup and we've been able to deliver that.

"I thought it was a really good game, a classic FA Cup final game. We were playing against the Champions League finalists so we knew it would be tough, we'd have to suffer. But I thought we were well worthy of the win. We pressed the game really well, took them to the side of the field we wanted to, and when we had the ball we showed courage with it.

"I always felt we were a real threat in the game and when we got to 1-0... an amazing goal by Youri. And I've got to mention Kasper Schmeichel, that was also a really special save by a top-class goalkeeper. The players defended magnificently to keep a clean sheet.

"Every trophy you win is special.

"This was my seventh final as a manager and luckily I've been able to win all seven. But you can only do that with players who have courage, a mentality and you see the spirit in the squad.

"I'm proud on a personal front to do it for Leicester City but more for me to see happiness on supporters' faces, on Top's face and for the players it's a special day."

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