Leicester City aim to, and can, win the Carabao Cup in honour of Khun Vichai

Leicester City manager Claude Puel wants the club to win the League Cup for a fourth time, this campaign. A tall task, as firstly, Manchester City stand in the way; before even the semi-final:

During the Martin O’Neill era, the football at Leicester City’s Filbert Street was often thrilling and effective. There were, of course, disappointments occasionally, as all clubs suffer. Although, on the whole, honestly, this writer can attest to the time as wonderful for the city and the fans – as a once young supporter in the Shanks and McEwan double-decker stand.

What reinforced that time as being a magical part of Leicester City’s bygone history is the attainment of silverware. Two trophies in fact: O’Neill’s team won the League Cup – or Worthington Cup – on two occasions within the Irishman’s legend. Oh, the nostalgia.

Steve Guppy, what control he had – left-footed glue. And his crosses were deliciously gobbled up by Emile Heskey, Tony Cottee, Ian Marshall, even a supremely talented Stan ‘the man’ Collymore at one stage; they were among other hitmen.

In midfield, there was Muzzy Izzet, Neil Lennon and the dogged – yet polarising – Robbie ‘Lilly’ Savage. Big Steve Walsh and Kasey Keller, to name a few Foxes-favourites of the late 1990s/early 2000s. Similarly thrilling Foxes players exist now: Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel, James Maddison, potentially Wilfred Ndidi, to name but a few.

Apologies for the extended stroll down memory lane – but this season could see the glory all over again. How miraculous or fitting it would be after tragic circumstances to win the League Cup for a fourth time, in beloved late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s name.

Well, thankfully, the pragmatism of Claude Puel has allowed that dream to enter his prospective reality. In other, less pretentious words: the Frenchman wants to win the cup for Khun Vichai’s legacy. That way the Thai businessman’s last term in charge ends with another trophy. He cared for and relished the miraculous Premier League victory so dearly.

On the matter, boss Puel, who lost the 2017 final 3-2 to Manchester United while in charge of Southampton, said:

"“We know the importance of winning something. The cup will be important for us.“The chairman [Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha] liked it a lot and it will be our desire to try to perform. We know the difficulties in the cup, but it’s a good motivation.”– Claude Puel(Via: Independent)"

How promising to hear real desire from the manager in order to accomplish a club goal and attain silverware. A gesture suitable for Khun Vichai – a generously endeared man – and testament to his wishes. It will be interesting to see if Leicester City begin with more established first team players  versus Pep Guardiola’s gladiators or honour the heroics – perfectly personified by second-choice goalkeeper, Danny Ward.

What a tremendous way – this would hypothetically be – for Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha to begin his expected tenure as Leicester City chairman. The Foxes have the luck of successive penalty shootout wins on their side. Not to mention, how magical a cup final victory would be to help repair and heal the wounds from heartache this campaign.

Leicester City face the Citizens in the Carabao Cup Round quarter-finals on December 18, at 19:45 GMT. Updates will be published on Foxes of Leicester’s website and social media.