It looks like Claude Puel may reinstate Wes Morgan after his suspension, sadly
If one discusses Leicester City on a regular basis, you will frequently be asked: “what does Claude Puel see in Wes Morgan?” Sadly, Foxes of Leicester does not have the answer.
A captain whom led a phenomenal title-winning team to incomprehensible glory should not end his time at the club with doubters and embarrassing dismissals and performances. Even if there is one or two decent displays in amongst a host of underperforming outings. For Leicester City and skipper Wes Morgan, ridicule and decisions costing the club points are creeping in; not to mention the lack of pace and quality being exposed.
Initially, some of the Blue Army thought there was another year remaining at top-level for the 34-year-old dynamic, committed and respected leader of Leicester City. Sadly, and clearly, this is not the case. Two red cards in three games only proves the case for honoured pasture to those blinded by sentimentality and the 2015/16 glory days.
Many people are questioning the repetitive, incorrect and inconceivable loyalty shown to the ageing defender. In fact, as a Leicester City – and Claude Puel supporter – it is hard not to criticise the manager and is increasingly embarrassing to admit to being in favour of the Frenchman’s overhaul.
This is because of the unexplainable fact Morgan is still starting games as club captain. Regarding the Puel quote: ‘old dog’s learning new tricks’, let’s be absolutely frank – the centre-back was never a highly skilled or particularly good footballer. His hunger, fearlessness and ability to read the game was his mastery.
Now there is no chance of the club legend ending on a high, with dignity. He should be in the position Andy King and Danny Simpson are – they would have been wise to find new sides. That doesn’t diminish their contributions to being Premier League champions. Although, it is irrelevant in the business of football.
Puel’s decision, and explanation, that his player can learn fresh skills, 5-years from age-40 – is laughable. What is the footballing love affair between them, and why can’t the gaffer see what everyone else does?
In addition, Leicester signed, and then loaned, the highly rated Filip Benkovic to Celtic. Yes, he is only age-21. Caglar Soyuncu, the Turkish international receives even higher praise, but sits on the bench or development squad roster because of communication issues. Strange.
While, a ready-made replacement in Jonny Evans is consistently a substitute, after a couple of disappointing run-outs for the first team. Whereas, other Leicester City signings would be given more time to gel and acclimatise; especially if the only alternative was of Morgan’s capacity.
Is the above tweet correct? Maybe, however, Morgan should have received his marching orders earlier in the match. When the defender was on a yellow card already, he clattered the same opponent, receiving no further punishment.
Evidently, Richarlison made a meal of the third challenge in particular; yet, Leicester’s 2016 champion shouldn’t be on the pitch for various reasons. It’s the obvious, awkward playing style which increasingly exposes the City back to attackers.
It is incredibly difficult for loyal fans to see a club legend so out of his depth; a testimonial or exit this, or summer 2017, would have been the fitting departure. This, as opposed to the current torture for fans and squad alike.
Foxes of Leicester recently wrote on the issue, in the article about Puel not knowing his ‘best XI’:
"“One mistaken area is playing captain Wes Morgan. Unfortunately, the skipper, a legend of the club, is way past his best. To be completely honest, he never was a very competent footballer per say. A dedicated and great leader, yes. But now with the pace lacking and mental strength evading him, the two red cards he received, this early in a campaign, are indicative of the error in starting Morgan.”Via: Foxes of Leicester"
Incredibly, site Expert @tb7fox actually predicted the dismissal – deja vu. Let’s hope that’s the last incident. Yet, ‘holding our horses’ first of all; Puel said this on the matter, after the captain’s previous inexplicable starting place in the side and subsequent red card:
"“Wes trains well and plays well.“Wes has learned other things throughout his career. He started to use the ball more than in the past.“He has learned to defend with 50-60 metres of space behind him, which is new for him.“He doesn’t have the same comfort zone as before but he gave a good response and gave his best and tried to improve at 34.“It’s never too late for players to improve and take different information on board from a different manager.”– Claude Puel (Via: Leicester Mercury)"
So, it looks as though Morgan will be reinstated on return. Whereas, the French boss thought the most recent sending off, and second yellow, were harsh. Common sense prevailed, from the unlikely source of Ian Wright: “He [Wes Morgan] could easily have been sent off [in relation to an earlier foul], so I don’t see what Claude Puel is saying.” Quote via BBC Sport’s Match of the Day.
Morgan also seems delusional from his admirable desire to play, and play well, for Leicester: “It’s very frustrating, I feel like in the games I’ve been playing well and I want to continue that, playing as many games as possible.” In conclusion, this writer hopes Puel sees the light: giving Evans adequate time in the side; subsequently adding Soyuncu: creating a three-centre-back system. One can only dream.