Leicester City players aim to address slow starts with team cohesion

With the problem for Leicester City’s terrible early approach to matches unsolved, midfielder Nampalys Mendy vows that he and the squad will put it right:

Amazingly, Leicester City’s opponents in the Premier League have taken the lead 15 times; and the club have conceded most out of all top-flight teams in the initial 15 minutes. In addition only two sides have conceded more in the first half. Worryingly.

Manager Claude Puel said he’ll do all in his power to change the pathetically lackadaisical starts; now players such as Papy Mendy are publicly intending the same:

"“It is our problem this season. It is something we have discussed as players, not just with the manager, as we are the ones on the pitch.“We play together and we have to fight together. The Premier League is very difficult, because every match we play against a tough team, but we are trying our best to correct this.”– Papy Mendy(Via: Leicester Mercury)"

Although the sentiment and proposal from the French player is admirable, he is likely to find himself removed from the starting lineup after two particularly uninspiring displays – to put it mildly. Alas he is a teacher’s pet of his elder French compatriot, but that may not save him here.

In fact, Mendy was at fault for two first half Southampton goals which ultimately cost Leicester City their previous Premier League match. Wholly disappointing; however, he has enough good ‘in the bank’ with the Blue Army through his N’golo Kante-like work ethic.

The former France Under-21 international endears himself by acknowledging his own errors in the last mentioned game, putting his metaphorical hand in the air and vowing to move on. Adding that he spoke to his forgiving teammates about the regrettable performance.

Peculiarly these types of incidents can actually galvanise a good roster together in solidarity; as does vocally approaching the horrendous top-flight beginnings this term.

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Confidence is an aspect of the Foxes’ lackluster first part of matches. Once the awful mentality of frailty creeps in, it is hard to shake and seemingly gets worse. The players have to believe they can replace the form with goals from attack and stability in defence during the early period.

While Puel’s main job at the moment is to address the issue tactically on the pitch, as well as in training. If he doesn’t the scenario will deteriorate, as does the players hope for a solution.

Liverpool welcome Leicester City to Anfield on Wednesday evening in the current round of premiership fixtures. Puel’s side sit at an underwhelming yet comfortable 9th, whilst the Reds are top of the table.