Leicester City boss Dean Smith admits the players are "demoralised".

The Foxes are in freefall ahead of meeting Newcastle on Monday night.

On Monday's defeat to Liverpool, Smith said: “A lot was said about players not trying, but I've got figures to show they did match Liverpool in terms of running. The result like that will make the headlines… but the players worked hard and ran hard.

"I think they're demoralised by the last couple of results. The goals we've given away in the last two games haven't been good enough and we've been working on that.

“I don't need to pay homage to these players, I inherited this squad. I don't have to defend them but I will because of what I've seen from them… I choose what I say about the players because I can, and they care.

He added: "Fans are the most important part of the football club. I don't think there's many clubs that would go off 2-0 down at half time, in a relegation battle, they wouldn't get stick. But we need our supporters."