Foxes of Leicester
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Three dream candidates to replace Claude Puel at Leicester City

By Harneet Singh Sethi

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City looks on prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City at Molineux on January 19, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City looks on prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City at Molineux on January 19, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United looks on prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United at John Smith’s Stadium on December 15, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United looks on prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United at John Smith’s Stadium on December 15, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /

Rafael Benitez

The only manager in history to have won the UEFA Europa League (twice), UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA World Cup – that’s one more than the total number of trophies that Leicester have managed at the top level (four).

Like Leonardo Jardim, Rafael Benitez is an intelligent manager who knows his tactics and systems. He knows exactly what needs to be done to not let his opponents play, and he’s very good at it – probably one of the best ever. Anyone with any doubts is obviously overlooking the fact that Benitez’s Newcastle United have the seventh best defensive record in the Premier League this season.

But will Benitez’s defensive nous – and the results it can bring about – be enough to appease the fans? They’ve incessantly complained about the lack of attacking endeavour under Claude Puel and could well be quick to turn on Benitez if they don’t get to celebrate goals more often.

A few years back, scoring goals would have hardly mattered for Leicester, but after the title win in 2015/16, the expectations are not merely to win but to win in style – like big clubs do – which Benitez isn’t going to offer. What he can offer, though, is more points. Up to the fans to decide what makes them happier.