Shinji Okazaki makes second preseason appearance for English Premier League team Leicester City

MANSFIELD, ENGLAND – Japan striker Shinji Okazaki got another preseason run-out with his new Premier League club Leicester City on Saturday but failed to hit the target as the Foxes were held to a 1-1 draw by fourth-tier Mansfield Town.

David Nugent’s curling finish gave Leicester the lead before striker Matt Green leveled for Mansfield from the penalty spot midway through the first half.

Leicester started with a 3-5-2 formation that saw Okazaki partner Andrej Kramaric up front with Nugent in the pocket behind.

All three pressed well and Leicester took the lead on 10 minutes.

Kramaric embarked on a jinking run down the left channel and laid the ball off for Nugent, who steered a right-footed effort into the far corner from the edge of the box.

Okazaki, who made his debut in a 3-1 friendly win over Lincoln City on Tuesday, then played a lovely ball into the path of Kramaric, but the Croatian could not provide the finishing touch.

Okazaki just failed to get his head on a free kick at the end of the first half and five minutes into the second half Leicester fashioned another chance.

Jack Barmby found space on the left to drill a low cross to the far post, but it was just inches ahead of the incoming Okazaki.

“I had chances, I just need to score,” said Okazaki, who was substituted just after an hour as Leicester changed all 10 outfield players.

“When I was at Mainz, I was just focused on scoring goals but it is different here and I have to defend,” said Okazaki, who joined Leicester from German Bundesliga side Mainz last month on a four-year deal thought to be worth around €10 million ($11 million).

“In order to become a better player I have to experience this kind of test. It’s not a bad thing.”

via Okazaki makes second preseason appearance for Leicester | The Japan Times.