‘You need to be a team’: Rowett urges unity as depleted Leicester show fight

Guardian Sport

by Peter Lansley at the Britannia Stadium

February 22, 2026

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Gary Rowett has called for unity among his Leicester City players following their 2-2 draw against Stoke City. The manager urged the team to focus on collective efforts rather than individual ambitions, particularly after missing opportunities to secure a crucial victory that would have moved them closer to the promotion playoffs. Despite dominating the second half and creating several chances—highlighted by Ben Nelson’s header off the bar and Luke Thomas’s close-range effort—the match ended in a stalemate due to Ben Wilmot’s late equalizer. This draw comes at a critical time for Leicester, who are currently appealing against a six-point deduction imposed by the Premier League for breaching financial sustainability rules. The deduction has pushed them back into the Championship’s relegation zone, adding significant pressure on Rowett and his team. The match underscores the challenges they face both on and off the pitch, with financial constraints potentially affecting their ability to compete effectively. The game against Stoke was a rollercoaster, with Leicester showing moments of dominance but ultimately struggling to convert chances into goals. Despite their efforts, the late equalizer from Stoke means they remain in a precarious position in the league table. This outcome highlights the importance of consistency and clinical finishing for Leicester as they aim to navigate their way out of trouble. For sports fans, this situation

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/22/2026