Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers believes losing in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup can give his players extra determination to succeed in their battle to finish ahead of Chelsea and Tottenham in the race for a top four finish.
The Foxes conceded in injury time in their semi-final second leg clash with Aston Villa, with Trezeguet netting the winning goal to send Villa to Wembley and a final against either Manchester City or Manchester United.
It was a tough result for Rodgers' men to take, having come from behind in both legs of the tie to draw level with Villa, only to concede the decisive goal in the closing stages of the contest.
But Rodgers insists that his players will not dwell on the disappointment, with a crucial game against Chelsea to come on Saturday in the Premier League.
“I thought that we were excellent in the game, we played with a nice control and composure in the game," he said, speaking to Sky Sports.
"I am absolutely gutted for my players, they put so much into the game.
“[After scoring the equaliser] Only one team looked like it would win. It is a tough one to take, but congratulations to Aston Villa, they go through and we have to move on.”
Currently, Leicester sit third in the Premier League table, eight points ahead of Chelsea in fourth, and 14 ahead of Manchester United, Tottenham and Wolves, who are all level on 34 points in the battle to finish in the top four.
And Rodgers believes his players can turn the negative into a positive.
“It’s hugely disappointing for them but this will be good for the players going forward," he said, speaking to Talksport.
"It’ll give you the extra determination to succeed.”
