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

Why is Puel under scrutiny at Leicester City?

The obstinacy of the Leicester boss over formations was swiftly forgotten when he pragmatically switched from the usual 4-2-3-1 to three-defensive-central-midfielders for the Chelsea match. Yet this manoeuvre proved ingenious as the Foxes won the clash at Stamford Bridge – with Jamie Vardy and James Maddison linking up successfully for the first time this season – and then the Foxes triumphed again, this time versus champions Manchester City at home.

Once more the victory was achieved using the initially unpopular 4-3-2-1. Though this setup provides a limited amount of visionaries from midfield; and with Maddison stuck, or wasted, out on the left, Leicester struggle to create decent opportunities to suit their favoured and currently untouchable striker regularly.

A playing style at home whilst not using the team’s proven counter-attack, described as boring: sideways passes, hopeful long passes, an adrift Vardy not being utilised correctly, among other reasons. Scrutiny made our boss angry; can this change bring about an upturn in fortunes on the pitch?

Maybe the switch seen in Puel’s persona comes from annoyance from repeat questions of his methods; as well as about his opinion that Leicester do not need significant signings in January – possibly an assertion given to him from the head of recruitment or director of football.

Can a manager really work with another whom decides whether a team needs players or not and who to buy? Not in this writer’s opinion and reading experience; not long-term anyway. Imagine Sir Alex Ferguson being told who to buy – laughable.

While it is clear to us Blue Army members that the outfit is in desperate need of another striker, at least. In order to achieve aspirations of European qualification. Along with supplying an element of competition for Leicester’s No.9, keeping him on his toes. There is a necessity to have a viable change in approach or main forward who can adapt to Puel’s tactics more naturally.

Yes the Foxes’ play could be adjusted to suit star players more adequately, but the manager will not disregard his modus operandi drastically. Layout and style have altered in a bit; though nothing radical. Ramifications have already been felt in the FA Cup and League Cup respectively; league-wise it is unlikely to affect the top-half Premier League finish.

So, where does that leave the current best XI? Well, we don’t know that; actually we know the one we will employ for big-six opposition, 4-3-2-1:  Kasper Schmeichel, Ben Chilwell, Harry Maguire, Wes Morgan, Ricardo Pereira; Wilfred Ndidi, Papy Mendy, Hamza Choudhury; Maddison, Marc Albrighton; Vardy.

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Whereas the likely side to begin at a club like Wolverhampton Wanderers – Leicester City face Wolves on Saturday January 19, at 12:30pm GMT – should look like this, in a 4-3-3:

Schmeichel, Chilwell, Maguire, Morgan, Ricardo; Ndidi, Choudhury, Maddison; Harvey Barnes, Albrighton; Vardy.

This format gives wingers freedom, as well as attacking fullback strategy – with ‘CDMs’ able to cover them on the left and right sides. Known for a selectively excellent youth promotion policy, the man from France will stick with the impressive Choudhury and must take credit for his and Chilwell’s progression whilst introducing a recalled, youthful Barnes to the team.