Foxes of Leicester
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Leicester City: Winning off the pitch, losing on it

By Brenden Woldman

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: A general view inside the stadium prior to the international friendly match between England and Switzerland at The King Power Stadium on September 11, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: A general view inside the stadium prior to the international friendly match between England and Switzerland at The King Power Stadium on September 11, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Leicester City at St Mary’s Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Leicester City at St Mary’s Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /

Where to go from here

What was supposed to be a match that spring-boarded the Foxes as the clear-cut “best of the rest” team, instead left them exposed and embarrassed. After a loss like this, rumors will circulate about the sacking of Puel. That would be incredibly dramatic, drastic, and stupid. With all the improvements young players have made with the Frenchman and the kind of optimistic atmosphere he has established within the club. Players of varying age want to play for him and for Leicester City at present.

However, the performances against Bournemouth showed a team that has regressed since their 2-1 loss to Liverpool. All the players who extended their contracts with the club had mediocre performances at best. Maguire, who is pegged as Puel’s new “go-to man”, was far too sloppy for a player of his calibre.

In regards to the young lions: Gray struggled on the ball and played far below his potential. Whilst Chilwell made mistakes that ultimately led to Fraser’s second goal. With the exception of Maddison, all players being praised in this article completely underperformed.

Claude Puel: off the pitch terrific, on it, not so much

What was always frustrating last season with Puel was that the talent on paper never matched the product on the pitch. Over the first four Premier League games this season, the Foxes made a switch. They, seemingly enough, bought into Puel’s philosophy and each player wanted to see what the new look Leicester could do. Although, after this match, there is a fear that the Foxes can regress into the squad that ended last season on a less than triumphant note.

It is amazing to see the players at Leicester City buying into what Puel is doing and remain at the King Power. Unfortunately, if losses continue, that optimism will surely turn to pessimism.

Hot. How Ben Chilwell became an England international. light

The next three league matches are against Huddersfield, Newcastle, and Everton. If the Foxes play on the pitch like the believe off of it, there is a solid chance the club could attain three wins. Yet, if more disappointments like the match against Bournemouth come, Puel will be back on the hot seat, not knowing if his time is up.