Kenny McLean has bemoaned Norwich City’s work in possession against Leicester, with their approach in the 3-1 defeat being criticised by supporters.

The Canaries were comfortably second best throughout the encounter, squandering possession and territory for extended periods of the contest despite taking a first-half lead through Gabriel Sara.

Norwich’s game plan has been criticised in some quarters for being too passive, allowing Leicester time and space to stamp their authority on the contest.

That led to them being penned into their own half for large periods of the game and McLean diagnosed a shortage of quality in possession as being their primary issue at the King Power Stadium on Easter Monday.

“There are no excuses from our side. We were up against a top team and we knew that would be the case and that it would be tough,” City’s captain said.

“That is the level that we need to get to, and we need to be a lot better with the ball. That was the biggest thing for us. We knew they were going to have moments because they have quality. When we had them, we had to do more with them. That’s the next level and the next step.

“We need to come to these places and stamp our authority onto the game, and we didn’t do that enough. We didn’t show enough bravery. We could have done a lot more.

"When your backs are against the wall, then you need to show more bravery on the ball and go and play. That's what we have been doing brilliantly."

Leicester came into the contest with four defeats in their last six but Norwich’s inability to hit top gear gifted them a route back to form – with McLean frustrated that they weren’t able to cause Enzo Maresca’s side more problems.

“There was no naivety that they were on a bit of a sticky run,” McLean said. “We knew their quality and what was coming, but away from looking at them, we tried to look at ourselves, and I don’t think we did what we have been doing.

The Pink Un: Norwich City had their backs against the wall for most of the contest.Norwich City had their backs against the wall for most of the contest. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

“We are a lot better than what we’ve shown. That’s the disappointing thing. When you’ve been so good at what you’ve done and you don’t do it well, it’s a disappointment - simple as that.

“It was going to be tough against the ball. They’re a quality team with quality players, and the bench is really strong.

“We need to look at ourselves more and what we need to improve on. It has been really good, but we haven’t got carried away so now we won’t get too down.”