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

Critics of Claude Puel

This term was never going to be easy, for one main reason: depression and instability since the passing of beloved Leicester City chairman Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. At the funeral, with media or tributes, Puel conducted himself in a wonderfully dignified manner; he will be remembered for that and his clear appreciation to Khun Vichai too. Not to mention managing to help the squad to continue picking up points in trying times, since tragedy on October 27th.

Son of Khun Vichai, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha or Top, is obviously thought to be at the helm of Leicester City now, and Puel says he does not need the dreaded ‘backing’ / ‘vote of confidence’ of sorts publicly from the defacto owner; with the Frenchman quoted as saying:

"“I don’t need support like this” (Said before Southampton defeat) “We [Puel and Top Srivaddhanaprabha] discuss things before games with freedom and we discuss different aspects rather than the noise and speculation.” Then Puel breaks character slightly more angrily at some supporters and possibly journalists for the criticism despite the club suffering a major disaster: “It was fantastic feeling to move on and respect the memory of Vichai and his dream. “Now we have some things and words about finishing seventh or eighth, it is crazy. “People forget quickly.” (Read the interview in entirety at Leicester Mercury)"

Previous to this statement was uncharacteristic fighting talk and defiance from the usually laid-back gaffer, again prior to the majorly disappointing Southampton defeat:

"“There is a lot of pressure around the club, but we try to maintain good results and good improvement of lots of players. “Since the beginning of the season I think we have done some fantastic work. To finish seventh in the first half of the season with all problems we have had, it’s a very good performance. If people believe we have to be sixth, that it should be our place, it is not the truth. It’s not possible. “Of course we have difficulties to get a good atmosphere around the club. We need to be clever.” Also via LCFC Live"

In fact, the manager’s persona has altered slightly in recent weeks; the nuances between subtly spoken – almost whispering – to ‘hairdryer treatment‘ in particular. In addition to blind optimism at press conferences to seeming self-preservation. Not to mention sideline-shouting in anguish following another Kelechi Iheanacho miss at Newport County – all keenly observed.

Isn’t fan-power a wonderful, funny, and interesting thing: Puel appeared completely stubbornly set in his ways, not wanting to bring back Barnes from a successful loan spell for example. Then the next thing you know a Twitter campaign begins – started and assisted by FoL, of course – pundits advocate the oral petition and West Bromwich Albion lose their best playmaker to his parent club. But Puel still never caved over captain Morgan – consequently proven correct, evidently.

Frankly we cannot envisage the 57-year-old switching his playing style or demeanor up too much, it was a one-off. Although, his team must be altered in order for him to keep his Leicester job. However, that assertion feels slightly unfair or strange to say – didn’t we always want to be hovering around 7th place and gunning for Europe. Oh yeah, if only we put out a better starting XI for the FA Cup and League Cup then he would perhaps be held as a hero.