Leicester City’s Cambiasso offers Man United ‘respect’ but warns of ‘winning mentality’

'Leicester City's manager and the players possess this winning mentality' says Esteban Cambiasso, indicating the club are ready to give Manchester United fits on Sunday.

Manager Nigel Pearson has Leicester city 13th in the Premier League table, with five points from four matches. Chris Brunskill / Getty Images

Esteban Cambiasso believes Leicester City’s winners can rival the Inter Milan dressing room mentality.

The former Argentina midfielder is primed to make his home debut against Manchester United on Sunday.

An impressive 45-minute cameo at Stoke last week helped Leicester to a 1-0 win – their first of the season and first in the top flight since 2004.

The summer arrival, a free transfer after he left Inter, has won La Liga, the Champions League and five Serie A titles

And Cambiasso believes his new club have a similar mindset to him and his previous clubs.

He said: “I think Leicester City has this winning mentality. When you have been in the Premier League for maybe nine or 10 years, maybe you have another mentality. But when you are promoted to the Premier League it’s because you have been winning matches.

“Leicester City’s manager and the players possess this winning mentality.

“It’s not possible to change the mentality you had last April or May for a totally different one in August or September.

“The mentality of my teammates is to win because last year they needed to win most of their matches to go up.

“I like their quality. It doesn’t matter what league you are in, it is never easy to win the championship. The reason they won the title last season is because they have quality.”

Leicester are level on points with United ahead of their King Power Stadium clash after an impressive start to life back in the English Premier League.

But Cambiasso believes United’s revival is only a matter of time under Louis van Gaal.

“Manchester United is Manchester United. Every player is good. Their last season is now in the past – but they need just time now,” said the 34-year-old.

“Van Gaal is one of the best managers and coaches – he has a very important mentality.

“I respect them because they are a big club.”

Cambiasso has moved to England in the twilight of his career but admits he has had chances to play in the Premier League before this season.

He said: “Were there any opportunities to come to England earlier in my career? Yes, but when you stay for so long at a good club it is difficult to change.

“Were Manchester United ever interested? It’s the past now. It is not important now.”

Cambiasso has also impressed behind the scenes at the King Power Stadium with manager Nigel Pearson delighted with his impact in the dressing room.

He said: “When you have someone who learns other people’s names as quickly as he has throughout the squad it would suggest he’s interested in his teammates and he has spent time getting to know them.

“It illustrates his desire to get to know people but he understands he will get to know the culture and people a lot better if he shows interest, and he is genuinely interested. It’s a reflection of his qualities as a person.

“Esteban has come into the squad and he has a lot of humility about him.

“With the sort of career he’s had it’s good for us he still has that desire and thirst to play.

“Last week when he played 45 minutes he showed what’s he’s capable of in terms of effecting a game. All those things together are very good for us.”

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