Claude Puel faces former club Lille

Leicester City play their pre-season finale in Northern France against Lille, Saturday. Claude Puel was there for six seasons.

As the 2018/19 season draws ever closer, Leicester City play their last friendly of the summer. Lille of France welcome the Foxes in a match which will be played at almost top pace. Both sides’ incentive for the win and a decent performance is encouraging new campaign form.

For Leicester manager Claude Puel it will evoke fond memories. Puel arrived as boss of Lille in 2002. He did not leave until 2008; making his tenure one of the longest in elite French league management. At the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Puel achieved a 39 per cent win rate, but stabilised a fluctuating club. Again proving longevity helps him structure a quality side, as he eventually took them to a second place finish.

There will be many smiles and handshakes for the 56-year-old as he was a former player there too. Reminiscing about his time at the Great Danes, Leicester’s chief says:

"“It was a good feeling, a good moment for me and my family [at Lille]. Of course, it will be a fantastic feeling to come back and to see friends.” (via lcfc.com)"

In addition to the fresh term being only six days away, Leicester City are still without two World Cup stars: Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy. Yet, the remaining squad seemed fit and vigorous against Valencia Wednesday and are jovial in training.

Down with the youth

Against the Bats – Leicester City’s penultimate friendly – Puel promoted and trusted his top youth players. A theme which began when he developed Eden Hazard through the Lille ranks. Eventually playing him as a sixteen-year-old in the first team. The foxes are hoping for Josh Gordon, Layton Ndukwu or Darnell Johnson to give support to their seniors. There may even be a spot for an U23 youngster on the bench in Manchester, Friday.

Slightly more downbeat news now; the King Power club announced assistant manager Pascal Plancque – pronounced plonker… joking, Rodders – left the club in good mutual faith. This comes as restructuring of backroom staff continues. Click here for further explanation from Leicester Mercury.

Touchdown in France.

Match prediction

A strongly fielded Leicester City side will get the win in Northern France. A 2-0 score-line will encourage confidence for Friday’s trip to Old Trafford. Hopefully with Kelechi Iheanacho netting for a third successive time. You can watch the game live and for free at lcfc.com from 5pm BST – get there five minutes early if you need to sign up!

With Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy unavailable for selection, next week’s game against United will be a tough one. According to Puel: “We will see after [the Lille game] which players can start against Manchester United… I am happy about our training sessions. Now, it’s important to continue this work.”