Five steps Leicester City need to take to not be the next Southampton

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City looks on prior to the Premier League match between Southampton and Leicester City at St Mary’s Stadium on December 13, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Since Leicester City won the Premier League title in that magical season, they have failed to take themselves to the next level and compete well with the big six. Whilst that isn’t unexpected from the wider footballing world, the Foxes faithful were surely hoping for better than what has been delivered for the last two seasons.

Leicester City have lost some of their key players such as N’golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater from that title-winning season, and are now expected to lose arguably their most influential player in Riyad Mahrez this summer.

The Foxes have also had three different managers (if you include Michael Appleton as caretaker manager) since the departure of lovable Claudio Ranieri in February 2017. Now Claude Puel could possibly be on his way out of the door, too, if reports are believed in.

Leicester City are in danger of going on a downward slope just like Southampton experienced this season, where they only just survived relegation from the Premier League.

Over the last few years, the Saints have continuously sold their best players, and eventually it takes its toll effectively replacing them.

Here are some of the players they have sold in recent years:

Adam Lallana
Nathaniel Clyne
Luke Shaw
Jose Fonte
Dejan Lovren
Toby Alderweireld
Victor Wanyama
Sadio Mane
Virgil Van Dijk

Whilst it is part and parcel of the game to buy and sell players, continuously selling your best players and hoping to buy replacements to slot in straight away is extremely difficult, and in most cases impossible.

Of course, financial reasons are behind this but for fans, this isn’t enough. We want to see our teams improve and evolve. Admirably, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has so far tried to resist some of the advances that have come his way for his players; but another season of no progress may well see some of the better players wanting to follow Kante and Drinkwater out the door.

Next: Step 5: Show some intent and thought in the transfer market