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

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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City looks dejected during the Premier League match between Burnley and Leicester City at Turf Moor on April 14, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /

Step 3: Create some stability with a long-term manager

Easier said than done. The club, since being promoted to the Premier League, has gained a reputation for

Obviously, those closer to the club are aware about the goings at the club; however from outside, the club – even to some fans- does not look stable off the pitch, and if they aren’t careful they might just end up with a reputation like Roman Abramovich, which would not be useful.

Yes, there were the incidents that led to Nigel Pearson’s sacking, then there was the fairytale of Claudio Ranieri. The rumours were that the players had lost faith in Ranieri and his tactics, coupled with a bad run of results which resulted in Leicester City being in the relegation zone. The owners decided to act several months after winning the title, and they were scrutinised and deemed ungrateful to the man who performed the miracle.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Craig Shakespeare, manager of Leicester City looks on prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City at Vitality Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Then, Craig Shakespeare, as caretaker manager, great. As permanent manager, out of his depth and sacked just four months later. On the outside, it doesn’t look good.

They then appointed Claude Puel, and despite finishing ninth in the league, his position is said to be under threat. Leicester did have a poor second-half of the season under Puel, but he has only had one transfer window to operate in. Also, the team is clearly in transition, and Puel is trying to adapt and evolve the team to add another bow to its style of play, which is why he could be excused for being quite unfortunate to be under so much pressure.

That said, is the Frenchman a long-term option? Possibly not, but you will never know if he isn’t given a chance. He is keen to develop young players and has a record of doing well in long-term projects.