If the Leicester City squad don’t “buy into” Claude Puel’s methods – they should

It is already that time of year for rumours about the job safety of Premier League managers – especially Leicester City boss Claude Puel.

Soon we will hear the uniformed, forceful opinions from the usual neutral ‘fans’ crying: “Claude Puel’s lost the dressing room.” Along with, “The Leicester City team has stopped playing for him.” And maybe those misguided souls will be correct for once in their lives after a thrashing at Bournemouth.

Yet, the Foxes squad should believe in, and trust Puel’s methods. He is attempting to help them climb up the Premier League table – as any boss would – but with a touch of class, along with entertaining football. In addition to developing promising youngsters, as well as denying sentimentality for former champions.

On the defeat at the Vitality Stadium, Puel admirably assumed culpability:

"“It is my responsibility to try to find a good balance about this [Harry Maguire‘s lethargy]. Not just a good balance about the different attributes of each player but the balance their tiredness, their desire and their freshness.“Perhaps some players did not have enough freshness and concentration because they were little tired with their travels.“It is not an excuse but I think we lacked some concentration, focus, desire and the mentality, but the positive attitude was always present here.– Claude Puel (Via: Leicester Mercury)"

Almost a week ago, Marc Albrighton stated to Rob Dorsett that he’s “bemused by rumours that the [Leicester City] squad don’t buy into Claude Puel’s methods.” Albeit, with some commentators expressing the belief that: there is ‘no smoke without fire’. However, Albrighton went on to say: “There is no truth in that at all.”

Adding fuel was third choice goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, who stated that the “chemistry isn’t right” between Puel and he. Although, having seen the Swiss play a few times, it is unlikely he would rise from his standing at the King Power Stadium with any manager. Even if nepotism arose from a relative being appointed Leicester City boss!

If the 33-year-old has a legitimate problem with Puel, then that statement will be retracted.

Foxes chief Puel is a tried and tested coach: one who developed major talent at big clubs. The Leicester owners and their staff wanted him for his techniques in evolving an ageing and one-dimensional counterattacking side. He will be given time to succeed.

Tuesday afternoon saw an entertaining period on Twitter. Sky Sports‘ Dorsett once again popped up on #LCFC with another potentially explosive dagger aimed directly at the planning of first team routines by the Frenchman.

Dorsett claims he is aware of many disgruntled squad members: after they had to endure a luxury bus journey to the match in Bournemouth. What dismay the team must have encountered as they finally arrived and lay upon their five-star hotel mattresses. Yet, unbeknownst to the reporter, Maguire was on hand to rebut the assertion. More on that later.

From the brief article, this is the most interesting part:

"“Sky Sports News understands a number of Leicester players voiced their concerns to manager Claude Puel before the journey, but were told a decision had already been taken on their mode of transport.”"

Supporters and players’ true feelings

Do the players and Blue Army still want Puel as the main man? Well, as usual with interesting, complex footballing issues: it is polarising.

So, apparently some Leicester City players are unhappy and disillusioned with Puel for tactical, and traveling reasons – of all things. Whereas, there is plenty of proof, like above, that a faction of fans are now turning against the Frenchman.

Slab-head goes head-on

Although, a rebuttal to Dorsett over team morale, came from Maguire via Twitter. It is very uncommon for an elite international player to speak out against a gigantic media corporation like Sky, yet, the down-to-earth Englishman did just that.

Maguire initially tweeted: “false information”, with the same person emoji. Indicating quite blatantly that he believes Sky Sports and Rob Dorsett invented the claim. However, the former Sheffield United man is not privy to all, or private, conversations. Nor is he able to see or hear all interviews, or leaks for that matter.