The main issues facing Claude Puel at Leicester City
Leicester City have entered a strange period after a good run of results; of course, all following tragedy. An underlying feeling of big problems prevail for Claude Puel and his team.
It is now three successive defeats for Leicester City, with only one goal scored in recent matches. Consequently the Blue Army is rightfully unsettled. A majority now cite many factors in their disdain for Puel’s managerial tactics, style, implementation and even, unfairly, his personality.
Although, a little extra motivation for the players came when he avidly celebrated Marc Albrighton’s wonderful equaliser in the defeat to Manchester City in the League Cup.
In fact, Puel’s input and modus operandi was seemingly, desperately needed at the King Power Stadium. Apart from the 2015/16 season, and the stunning Champions League displays the following campaign – the Foxes must move away from aimless, hopeful long balls from defence and goalkeeper, when options cease or pressure increases anxiety on-the-ball during games.
Unfortunately, the Frenchman has reintroduced this ‘lumping’ forward without invention or imagination; while, supposedly introducing his ‘passing style’ at the East Midlands club. Yet, us loyal fans find the emergence of the sideways and backwards play frustrating and counterproductive. Like the gaffer’s side, evidently, writers also need structure – so let’s get to the heart of the current predicament:
Leicester City’s main issues
lack of imagination:
Whatever happened to taking a man on, committing a midfielder, or defender, and passing them; subsequently opening up space? Maddison cannot do it all himself or be the only innovator at Leicester City. Apparently effervescence is missing – could Harvey Barnes’ incredible Championship form combined with Ben Chilwell be the injection needed? It is possible!
What’s happened to wingmen and attackers getting to the byline after going past people. Yeah, Marc Albrighton’s crosses are adept and necessary, but Vardy is not a conventional target man. Therefore much of the supply goes unmet and wasted. Buying another quality striker may help. Whereas, inventive players are imperative, especially in the Premier League where innovators are king – almost over goalscorers.
Maybe a second striker is needed in-game, although Kelechi Iheanacho has been fairly dreadful of late, he does perk up when in Jamie Vardy’s company. As a box-forward – one who plays his best football as a finisher – Iheanacho needs attacking help, as well as support. Possession, capably, high the attacking half is missing.
Without alleviating the deficiency of vision and execution within the squad – the faithful are not asking for Barcelona or Manchester City here, but surely a wish to have and caress the ball needs reintroducing to some of Leicester City’s panicky players. Not that they have ‘stopped playing’ for the boss, yet.