Fighting talk, visible emotion: Claude Puel breaks character at Leicester City

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LEICESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: Steward confiscates a ‘Puel Out’ sign from a Leicester City fan prior to the Premier League match between Leicester City and Southampton FC at The King Power Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Has the stress of criticism over his evolving side finally got to mild-mannered Claude Puel? What does this change in persona mean for Leicester City:

Surely it must hurt to be preparing your team for a home match at Leicester City, only to notice a crudely designed sign with your name on it saying ‘Puel Out’. More disturbing is the fact a stadium manager thought it his place to remove the message of discontent.

If the order to confiscate the lady’s paper opposition protest came from higher up on the club hierarchy then those people should consider the feelings of supporters who pay hard-earned cash week-in-week-out to support the club – they have a right to free speech. Whether that be favourable to executives or staff is not the issue, as long as it is not offensive language.

Notice that if there are more fans with similar placards at games – at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium or elsewhere – that nothing is done by steward marshals and their team. Don’t single out a solo easy target to make a point! Respect the fans; they and their future generations will be the only ones the city will ever have.

Some observers believe Puel is under pressure, others, including himself insist the former Monaco chief is not in hot water at the King Power. Regardless of unbelievable wins and incredible lows in recent times he needs time to achieve his plans, his way, at Leicester. He is as methodical in approach as the Foxes are currently in build-up play.

Anyway, more importantly, ‘whispering Claude’ may be no more. We could have a no-nonsense Scottish-style authoritarian on our hands; but then again, probably not. The polarising ‘Puel out / Puel in’ online battle has reached a climax in stalemate.

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