Michael Appleton: An introduction to the Leicester City caretaker

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SWANSEA, WALES – OCTOBER 21: Michael Appleton caretaker manager of Leicester City looks on prior to the Premier League match between Swansea City and Leicester City at Liberty Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

To the King Power Stadium

Before the 2017/18 season commenced, Appleton was approached by Leicester City and he signed for them as the assistant manager to newly confirmed permanent manager Craig Shakespeare.

Things didn’t start well for Leicester this season under Shakespeare, with questions over team selection policy and tactics. They found themselves in the relegation zone this month when Shakespeare was ultimately fired.

Appleton took over as caretaker manager for the away trip to Swansea, changing only one starter in his lineup, Shinji Okazaki.

His energy and commitment was the spark the team needed and City won 2-1 in the Englishman’s first game in charge (with Okazaki scoring his fifth goal this season in the process).

Making it to a Quarter Final

Leicester faced Leeds United in the last 16 of the League Cup. A more cautious Appleton could have started his main eleven, yet he was bold, choosing to do what the big sides do. They rested eight main starters in Vardy, Schmeichel, Ndidi, Okazaki and Mahrez, fielding current second choice players instead.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 24: Islam Slimani of Leicester City celebrates scoring his sides second goal with team mates during the Caraboa Cup Fourth Round match between Leicester City and Leeds United at The King Power Stadium on October 24, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

The Midlands club have a huge Premier League game against Everton on Sunday, so rotation was always inevitable. It worked – Leicester won 3-1, after a young, quick Leeds United side started well, taking the lead through Pablo Hernandez.

The LCFC caretaker manager spoke post game:

"“Not ideal going behind, but to come back and play as well as we did was pleasing. “(There’s a) long way to go in the competition, but being in the last eight is pleasing. Got to remain focused on coming games.”"

As his team march into the League Cup quarter final amidst reports that Leicester City are closing in on former Southampton boss Claude Puel, Appleton insists he doesn’t want the top job:

"“No. I want to be the assistant manager for the duration of my contract”"