Leicester City’s slow starts beyond Claude Puel

Leicester City’s slow starts are beyond Claude Puel, as the Frenchman doesn’t know “why we don’t start well all the time”.

Leicester have developed a loathsome yearning for sleeping at the start of most of their games, causing them to lose matches despite playing well in the latter stages – particularly the second half.

This season, they have conceded inside the first ten minutes four times, and only on one occasion – against Huddersfield Town – have they been able to turn it around to get all three points. It can be said without a doubt that had they begun well against Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton, then the 2-1 scorelines against the three may have been in their favour.

A baffled Puel reflected on the same, stressing that his young side needs to kick this aspect of the game out.

"“We have to respect what we tried to do in training,” he said.“We have a solution but I don’t know why at home often we don’t start well all the time. It seems away it is better with a good start but at home it is difficult.“Our first ten minutes were not enough with the slow tempo, we didn’t break their lines, and we take too many risks but it is too dangerous and we concede this goal.“We have young players but we need to correct this quickly because it is not the first time and it is a shame. It has been in our play since the beginning of the season.“It was the same against Liverpool, for example. We conceded a goal early and after the reaction of the team, the play and intensity were fantastic.“When we can play forward there are fantastic moves and lots of chances. We have to start well.“The first half [against Everton] wasn’t enough but the second half was perfect with a good start and good moves.“We opened the lines and we can play inside. We dominated this team and we have a lot of chances, but of course we have to correct this poor starts because after it is tough to get back into the game.”"

The Leicester boss further said that losing the initial physical battles is not helping the cause before adding that they must tighten up to not give too many opportunities to the opponent. That’s how they can play with the ball the way they want to.

"“To play with the ball it is important to win the battles first. We need to win the duels.“They started very well with strong pressing and it was not enough in my opinion to win the battles and duels without taking some risks at the start of the game.“We know the opposition will start well with good organisation, structure and good pressing.“It is important to keep a good solidity without giving opportunities to the opponent.“We have to correct this.”"

While monotonous starts are a problem, the team selection is, too. For example, playing Wes Morgan isn’t the most sensible option, even when you’re aware of his erratic nature.

He has twice seen a red card in the space of four Premier League games now, and whereas the first one didn’t convince Puel to stop picking him, this one should. There are clearly better options waiting on the bench.