Claude Puel’s ‘hairdryer treatment’, trash-talking James Maddison: Leicester City roundup

FA Cup football saw its first major shock of the season on Sunday. Typically supplied by Leicester City, as Welsh League Two outfit Newport County dumped the Foxes out of the cup. Three interesting side plots emerged:

The most Leicester City thing ever has been revised, again: beat Chelsea and Manchester City then lose to Newport County. Oh dear. Another year will pass before the Blue Army can wish to see a first FA Cup glory in their history.

Manager Claude Puel made seven changes to the side which defeated Everton in a dreary first Premier League match of 2019; thanks to flipping brilliant Jamie Vardy and his fine finishing. Side note: he’s seemingly getting back to his best and acclimatizing further in the Frenchman’s system.

Leicester City system under Puel

Although, that style was almost indefinable as Leicester City crashed out to lowly, but a competitive Newport. Reverting predictably to the 4-2-3-1, it was ‘nice’ to see Matty James back; a move many did foresee, while some felt a start was not the correct decision following another lengthy spell on the sideline.

More from Leicester City News

• Enzo Maresca hails four star Leicester players
• Harry Winks reveals his easy decision to join Leicester
• Leicester injury return dates: Coady, Praet, Cannon
• Midfielder’s Leicester contract, Souttar’s vow, international roundup
• Leicester stars among most valuable in Championship as legend’s rating drops

Yet it is the game plan of the method which is most questioned of the Foxes boss. Playing long, often aimless passes up to Kelechi Iheanacho is reminiscent of the mistaken formula which Vardy also suffers from. Neither are holdup target men and as solo strikers then have no nippy forward partner to chase their flicks.

More upsetting for the disappointed, faithful travelling Leicester supporters was the fact that the ‘weakened’ second string side cannot play simple one-twos or pass and move. Even the retro ‘Liverpool triangle’ type of comfortable moves useful to beat mediocre opposition in trying circumstances with less first choice players involved, was lacking.

An increase in promotion of youth for such games should also arise; especially if the match is going to feature teammates down the pecking order from the King Power club. Seven switches seem a bit extreme too – there is momentum to consider. Not to mention respecting a team and its strongly bonded best XI; which will always be faced in these clashes.

A new striker is needed, importantly after missing out – if Leicester even had an interest – on Dominic Solanke and apparently now Tammy Abraham. Either would be preferable to Islam Slimani returning. However, the Algerian has a particularly good scoring record for the Foxes; when appearing interested during games.

Three interesting side points from Sunday

In some ways Puel saw it coming, as written in advance of the contest by Foxes of Leicester co-Expert Harneet Singh Sethi: “Puel has asked his players to be ready for a good game and not let the cup weave its fabled magic”

Whilst the Foxes were 1-0 down to the team from Wales, the 57-year-old was visibly as angry as any manager this writer has ever seen, following yet another Kelechi Iheanacho blunder in front of goal. Red faced and shouting in anguish. Passion, from the ever quietly subtle Puely! At half-time, the Frenchman is also said to have given the proverbial hairdryer treatment to his floundering team at the time. That is according to Newport match winner Padraig Amond.

Amond then reluctantly named James Maddison as the Fox whom trash-talked to him directly before taking the winning penalty. Maddison told Amond: it was the biggest spot kick of his life and to be wary of making a fool of himself on camera in front of millions watching; per Off the Ball. Endearing himself to football fans globally, Amond held no grudge towards Maddison, wishing his teammates to do the same. Conducting himself with similar class, the 22-year-old congratulated his opponent for a decisive outcome under pressure.

Most noteworthy is the penalty was given away disastrously uncharacteristically by the usually reliable Marc Albrighton; playing at right-back for no reason when Danny Simpson could have continued. Not to mention the former being a starter in the Premier League.

Consequently a 7th place position is what we all should hope for this season; ultimately it is all we have to look forward to now.