Enzo Maresca praises Wout Faes, Jannik Vestergaard, Conor Coady, and Callum Doyle with City’s defence conceding the third fewest goals in the Championship so far

Enzo Maresca praised his “brave” Leicester City defenders for accepting a role that few players accept.

The City manager wants his back three, which has consisted of Wout Faes, Jannik Vestergaard, and Callum Doyle in the five Championship games so far, to press high, leaving half of the pitch open for defense. City’s opponents have taken advantage of it, but Maresca believes a high line is important to aid his team’s offense.

Finding defenders prepared to take on such responsibilities is difficult, he adds, but his trio, as well as Conor Coady, who is scheduled to return to training following an injury within the next week, have risen to the occasion.

“The game changes completely when you have to defend with 10 metres or 50 metres behind,” Maresca explained. “You have to be brave, especially when you’re 50 meters behind.” You must accept that you must defend 50 metres in front of you.

“The only thing I can say is that Wout, Jannik, and Conor, when he is with us, are all brave and accept being 50 meters behind.” It can be difficult to find defenders who accept this.

“Jannik accepts it, Wout accepts it, and Callum accepts it.” In terms of speed, Callum is similar to Jannik and Wout. They are courageous. If you wish to play in the opposing half, your defensive line must be stronger.”

City has only kept one clean sheet in the league thus far, but their four goals conceded are among the lowest in the league. Only Preston and Birmingham have conceded less goals in the Championship, with three each.