Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy insisted the work rate and attitude displayed by his players in the 3-1 win over West Ham are "non-negotiable" if they are to remain in the Premier League this season.
Van Nistelrooy won his first game in charge of the Foxes on Tuesday night thanks to goals by Jamie Vardy, Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka.
The game was Leicester's first full 90 minute performance following a season consisting of moments and disappointing showings. On the night of his first game as Leicester boss, Van Nistelrooy was welcomed with a rapturous reception by the King Power Stadium before kick-off and after the win.
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It comes after chants of 'you're not fit to wear the shirt' were heard from the travelling Foxes fans on Saturday in the 4-1 defeat to Brentford. After the win, Van Nistelrooy was asked about the importance of the fans in City's task of remaining in the Premier League.
"When you see a team that’s competing and fighting together, it will have an impact on the stands as well and that’s what football is all about," Van Nistelrooy said after the game. "When you get that connection behind you, that is vital.
"It drove our performance. Of course, the early goal helped, but then there were so many duels, tackles, blocks, recovery runs, sliding and preventing corners. That’s where fans applaud you.
"Also Blial and also Facundo. They worked back, tracked back and prevented goals. That got the crowd going and drove our performance. It’s non-negotiable for us moving forward, that attitude."
Leicester City Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy celebrates after Bilal El Khannouss scores to make it 2-0
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