Claude Puel losing players’ respect “a load of rubbish” – Ben Chilwell

Before beating Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton there were wide reports and speculation of Leicester City manager Claude Puel losing the respect of his players. Now, Foxes star Ben Chilwell refutes those claims:

Media reports began with the usual tired and lazy assumptions from unnamed sources: “Puel’s lost the Leicester City dressing room; the squad hate his team selections and training methods”.

Then certain ‘supporters’ add to the discussion with no basis but newspaper gossip: “The players don’t wanna play for him anymore”. After this when a manager is ultimately sacked, emerge the even more delusional thoughts from the uneducated: calling players of a deposed manager ‘snakes’ and such idiotic terms.

No player would risk their career to deliberately perform badly; or with a lesser effort in order to get a gaffer relieved of duty. Ridiculous and pure fantasy. These athletes would never have made the pinnacle of their chosen sport if they entertained such preposterous theories.

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Additional weight to that reasoning comes from the respected Foxes squad member, Ben Chilwell. In regards to the Frenchman – who’s assisted the England’s left-back career no end – Chilwell is adamant. On the supposed loss of respect, he assures:

"“That’s just a load of rubbish.“We’re very happy with him, he’s very happy with us. I think that shows on the pitch.“Nine points from the past four games – the only way to answer reports like that is to go and get wins and that’s what we’ve been doing.”– Ben Chilwell (Via: Leicester Mercury)"

What’s more, the 22-year-old is certain Puel’s influence on other young members of the squad like Wilfred Ndidi, Hamza Choudhury, Demarai Gray and James Maddison is positive. Choosing youth over experience when form applies and suchlike.

If there are multiple articles from legitimate publications stating there is a problem at a time of disappointing results  for club and manager, then most likely there is no smoke without fire. Yet, Chilwell insists all is good; despite Jamie Vardy speaking on his own tactical issues. Maybe that was the significant one-off which blew up the rumours.