Change your Claude Puel opinion – it’s part of his Leicester City master plan

It’s ok to change your allegiance from ‘Puel out’ to ‘Puel in’. The Leicester City manager has shown questioning the advancement of his team was a part of his deft master plan:

While the Ambassador has been spoiling guests with Ferrero Rocher – or Quality Street and Roses, if that is more up your street – Leicester City spoiled us supporters with six enormous Premier League holidays points; following a disastrous solitary draw in four games.

Not only is the present form two wins in five days, but those victories came against two of the most prominent sides in the division – Chelsea away, and Manchester City at the King Power Stadium. Marvellous.

Although ‘miraculous’ is a slightly more accurate description of the outcome; not because Leicester are not capable of the unpredictable – the Foxes are on a constantly fluctuating rollercoaster – it is due to the fact boss Claude Puel faced imminent dismissal. That is, if you believe certain well-informed national press; the Telegraph for example.

Leicester City and Claude Puel

This is a complete history or timeline of this writer’s views on Puel: not much knowledge on the Frenchman to begin with. Apart from him seemingly unfairly receiving the sack from Southampton – after an 8th position premiership finish and a League Cup final appearance. A plan of restructuring was promised at Leicester following an underwhelming end to 2017/18.

Along the way learning Puel gave a first chance in the game to superstar Eden Hazard at Lille; a trusting, great nurturer of young talent. Putting matches as well as his reputation on the line by inputting promising, yet inexperienced players.

That promise is perfectly replicated by Leicester born academy graduate Hamza Choudhury – who has been a revelation of late. The 21-year-old is an excellent defensive-midfielder; a most noteworthy addition to the roster and contributor to the recent victories.

Subsequent to the much-needed overhaul, the transition looked satisfactory as the East Midlands side won games against mediocre opposition. At the time just after the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha tragedy – Puel held himself with dignity throughout that period. However, then emerged the draws and losses to all comers, and on league visits.

There were some strange personnel and squad choices and what appeared a stubborn desire not to mildly evolve but retain ‘Leicester DNA’: a fighting, swift football spirit. Consequently a growing majority of the Blue Army felt much frustration at the new methods. A rigid style of only methodical build up does not suit the side, as has been proven.

Furthermore, it seems the Frenchman now agrees about the necessity of a fast-break, blended with occasional in-game possession in advanced positions; not always going long from Kasper Schmeichel; involving the key James Maddison, Jamie Vardy combination – adapting his team accordingly, especially in important meetings. The rest is recent festive Leicester City history of Christmas 2018.

Compromise in order to develop – like switching to a 4-3-3 with the ingenious adding of Choudhury, helped. A tactical aptitude and strong ethics contributed to Puel’s winning back a large part of the ‘Puel out’ faction of Foxes fans.

Surely if you asked them, the majority of detractors would hypothetically have swapped their ‘main present’ from Father Christmas to beat the Blues and the Citizens. Six points or socks and grooming gear is no contest. Unless that tat is official Leicester City merchandise of course, then it’s a tough one!

Stubbornness or openness

While it is also worth noting that Puel’s vindicated obstinacy, for example not dropping captain and leader Wes Morgan was justified, as were other starting XI choices. His insistence to rotate players to enable chances for those who earned it, such as Danny Ward; whilst giving necessary breaks to fatigued squad members is needed.

Even expanding Vardy’s game to add another dimension of short runs, as seen in the Stamford Bridge goal is admirable. Synchronizing the simpatico nature of Maddison’s No.10 with Vardy’s dangerous No.9 attributes, utilising the duo sufficiently was imperative in the quest for 7th place; which is precisely where Leicester City sit in the Premier League currently.

It was all part of the master plan, mate – and Puel was never gonna alter his vision. Never would this transformation be easy going, nor could it have been via a completely smooth road.

To be fair, if we lose to Cardiff City on Saturday then the next two league games, expect our opinion to sway once more. Call it hypocrisy if you wish, but it’s always great being proven wrong by positivity from the Foxes or their boss – we are ‘Puel in’, at this moment.