Claude Puel was closer to the sack at Leicester City than some imagine

Leicester City defeating Huddersfield Town at the King Power Stadium was rightly expected. For Claude Puel it was a must win game. If the Foxes lost, it could have been the end of the Frenchman’s tenure.

Many national sports media outlets predicted doom for Claude Puel at Leicester City, if his transforming side did not defeat Huddersfield Town. Luckily, after falling behind on Saturday, the Foxes won 3-1 and gave a particularly good account of themselves after the interval.

Puel took off the out-of-sorts on-the-day Rachid Ghezzal at half-time, introducing the impactful, yet selfish at times, Demarai Gray. Gray made a more balanced forward line on entry. He provided width and directness from the right-side.

This alteration allowed James Maddison to reclaim his better and preferred position as the central No.10 advanced midfielder. Kelechi Iheanacho then gave decent, narrow left-sided input. Jamie Vardy and Iheanacho should begin as a strike force with Maddison just behind in support as the facilitator, against Newcastle United this weekend.

Leicester City go behind to the Terriers

Admittedly, as Huddersfield hit the back of the net, many hearts surely sank. It seemed the end was nigh for Puel; Leicester City haven’t been scoring freely – partly due to Vardy’s unnecessary overzealous challenge and subsequent ban – the Foxes need their talismanic goalscorer for full potential.

This heart sank because Puel needs time, not a premature dismissal from Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha et al. Naturally, it is difficult to agree with all decisions, by anyone, but the East Midlands club needed a radical overhaul. So, outcomes may get worse in stages – while eventually systematically improving.

Certain results will be disappointing; even choices of personnel are baffling at times. Yet, the Frenchman requires longevity and confidence, following being given carte blanche over the squad and style. Give him this season – unless Leicester City are bottom at Christmas – and let the 57-year-old develop and rebuild.

Shockingly, the excellent, durable, tried and tested, determined, currently scoring and assisting Marc Albrighton was left-out of the starting line-up. Along with top goal-provider this campaign, Ricardo Pereira.

Miraculously, Puel still managed to find the balance second-half following bizarre implementations, ultimately winning the contest. Ensuring his place was not untenable. Although, many of the Blue Army felt dismay, rightly so, at the strange judgements. This, as well as the defensive frailties could be his undoing.

First-half, Leicester City were lackluster and lacked fluidity. Following a successful substitution and slight adjustment of layout – the Foxes improved no end – in the ensuing final section.

Leicester Mercury reporters were quick to correctly label the latter period a success and example to follow.

Vultures circling Leicester City’s King Power Stadium

Yes, it would be dramatic for the Leicester City owners to relieve Puel of duty in September, after nearly taking points from Liverpool and Manchester United. While playing some of the best possession football the club has mustered recently.

Though, as is well-known, the Srivaddhanaprabhas are rapidly, almost impulsively, decisive with regards to their managers. Champions leader Claudio Ranieri was not immune to their high standards. Nor was the instrumental Craig Shakespeare, who began with a record equaling run of wins.

National papers like the Guardian were aiming their ink cartridges at Puel before the clash versus Huddersfield:

"“The problem for Claude Puel is he is only ever a couple of defeats from a potential crisis, especially with the way last season unravelled. Rightly or wrongly, that is the reality of the Leicester manager’s position and after losing against Liverpool and Bournemouth, a third successive league defeat against Huddersfield would set alarm bells ringing”(Via Guardian Sport)"

Implications are that Puel was close to getting the sack. Further inference: there may even be replacement options ready chosen at the King Power.

In addition, Sky Sports cited that the Blue Army boss told players to: “use their frustration as motivation [in order to beat the Terriers].” Firmly placing the Foxes in the realm of a perilous position and managerial danger zone. Although, Sky have a track record of ‘rocking the boat’, along with reflecting the imagined scenario in their betting odds through pure conjecture.

Perusing Leicester City’s next 10 fixtures gives the impression time is not running out for the gaffer from France: The Magpies, Everton, Arsenal, West Ham, Cardiff City, Burnley Brighton, Watford, Fulham and Tottenham. There are 30 points up for grabs there – Puel’s should attain at least 20, regardless of redevelopment.