Claude Puel eyeing major strides forward with Leicester City’s young guns
Claude Puel is dreaming big at Leicester City – and he wants to do it with his young guns leading the charge forward.
The Frenchman has been the sole force responsible for Leicester’s revival after a poor start to the season. Initially, he was expected to just make relegation an unlikely prospect, but the former Southampton boss never had that in mind as he prepared his side for bigger and better things.
The Foxes now sit at eighth position in the Premier League table and are arguably the best side outside of the top six, with some truly exhilarating talents in their ranks. However, a lot of them are being chased by the big boys.
Claude Puel is aware of the interest from London and Manchester, but he’s confident that staying put serves the players best – and the club, too. Talking especially with reference to Harry Maguire and the belief that he has shown in the club, he said:
"“It is a good example with him and all the players that they can have some interest from other clubs but it is interesting with Harry because he believes in his work with Leicester.“I hope we can develop the club to compete more up the table and take on the great teams with a good chance of success.“It is a long process, but it is exciting. With some players with the commitment of Harry, it is good with good spirit and good feeling."
"“I hope we can give him and the others a good possibility to play more up the table. It is important to have ambition for the club and themselves.“Of course for the staff and the fans all the people want the club to make progress and with all the supporters behind us it is exciting work.”"
Leicester City have really progressed at a rapid pace in the last few months. They might be in the middle of a barren run at present, but in no way is that suggestive of where do they stand. The development of young players like Demarai Gray, Ben Chilwell and Wilfred Ndidi in particular has been staggering, and further showcases Puel’s ability to strengthen the core of a club.
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The way things are at the King Power Stadium, any young player would ideally want to stay for another two seasons at least. The lure of a big club may be too much, but remember, you are not always guaranteed a place.