James Maddison is working on his 'emotional control' with Dean Smith, as the new Leicester boss wants the midfielder to not get 'too high or low' in the Foxes' battle for safety after his huge error gifted Bournemouth win
- Dean Smith wants James Maddison to control his emotions in Leicester's battle
- The Foxes are in danger of being relegated from the Premier League this term
- Smith was brought in as manager to replace Brendan Rodgers until the summer
Dean Smith has urged Leicester star James Maddison to control his emotions better and give the Foxes the best chance of staying in the Premier League.
Smith, who has replaced Brendan Rodgers at least until the end of the season, warned his team ‘time is not our friend’ as they prepare to face champions Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Leicester are two points adrift of safety with eight games left, and after City they face fellow strugglers Wolves, Leeds and Everton in the space of 10 days.
Maddison is Leicester’s best attacking player but said he felt ‘very low and sad’ after his mistake presented Bournemouth with the only goal at King Power Stadium last Saturday.
‘One of the things I’m working on with James is his emotional control,’ said Smith. ‘I’ve already spoken to him. There is no doubt about his qualities.
![James Maddison has been encouraged to focus on controlling his emotions in big moments](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/04/14/11/69827705-11972689-image-a-28_1681469612164.jpg)
James Maddison has been encouraged to focus on controlling his emotions in big moments
![Dean Smith has been brought in to manage Leicester City as they fight to avoid relegation](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/04/14/11/69827707-11972689-image-a-27_1681469609373.jpg)
Dean Smith has been brought in to manage Leicester City as they fight to avoid relegation
‘It’s about not getting too high or too low. I always speak about the best teams. They have really good players who work really hard, but when they make mistakes, they learn from them quickly.
‘We need to realise games are running out very quickly. You can get into a situation where you think there is always another game to put things right.
‘What I saw in the Bournemouth game was a lack of confidence and a lethargy. That’s something we have to lift. We’ve tried to make training a little bit more intense and the buy-in has been good from the players so far. Time is not our friend.’
Smith is part of a three-man team Leicester hope will lead them to survival, with John Terry and Craig Shakespeare part of his staff.
![Smith has teamed up with John Terry (middle) and Craig Shakespeare (right) for safety chase](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/04/14/16/69838403-11973721-image-a-1_1681487212519.jpg)
Smith has teamed up with John Terry (middle) and Craig Shakespeare (right) for safety chase
Mail Sport understands the initial impression has been positive, with players responding well to the energy and enthusiasm of the trio.
Three years ago, Smith guided Aston Villa to safety with a draw at West Ham on the final day of the campaign, even though they had been seven points adrift with four matches left.
He added: ‘I am surprised to see Leicester in this position. I spoke to senior players on Monday to understand why we are in this position and what we can do to get out of it. We’ve got our ideas and we’ll give leadership and guidance, but the players make the decisions on the pitch.’
Youri Tielemans may be in the squad for the first time since the home defeat by Arsenal on February 25 after recovering from injury but Harvey Barnes and Ricardo Pereira are out.
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