REVEALED: Why Brendan Rodgers dropped Demarai Gray: Leicester City news

After the 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, Brendan Rodgers explained to the media why Demarai Gray was dropped for Leicester City.

For an opening match, a draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers is not bad at all these days. Especially as the west Midlands club are the main rivals – along with Bournemouth and Everton – for the Leicester City aim of Premier League seventh. Or sixth, if Chelsea are as bad as they were against Manchester United.

Yet the Foxes were a bit too defensive in mentality and set-up against Wolves. Playing two defensive-midfielders was probably a mistake against a team that traveled around 6,000 miles under a week prior to the game.

Demarai Gray’s Leicester City absence explained

Versus Wolves on Sunday, there was an issue with overplaying somewhat. In addition, it is always disappointing to see James Maddison stranded out on the left-wing. A deadly skilled, fast as lightning winger was desperately required!

Unfortunately, after three years Demarai Gray still hasn’t fulfilled potential or he would’ve been an ideal inclusion. The ultra-talented England Under-21 star was actually left out of the team altogether. Ironically, he, if on top form, was exactly the type of player missing in Leicester’s first contest of the campaign.

Brendan Rodgers is an honest manager in interviews in comparison with, well, actually, most gaffers. Here’s his explanation of Gray’s omission:

"“It’s going to be a very competitive squad and he was unfortunate because he has worked well over the course of pre-season,” said Rodgers.“But now there is a challenge which is what we want. We need competition if we are going to improve as a squad and as a team.“And it’s unfortunate for a player of his quality that he hasn’t been on the bench, but he will give the right reaction.“He knows what he needs to work on. I have spoken to him and he will continue to work and to fight for a place.”– Brendan RodgersVia: Leicester Mercury"

More from Foxes of Leicester

• Enzo Maresca hails four star Leicester players
• Harry Winks reveals his easy decision to join Leicester
• Southampton 1-4 Leicester City: 3 Foxes positives and negatives
• Southampton 1-4 Leicester: 3 things learned
• Predicted Leicester City starting XI vs Southampton

While it’s refreshing to hear a candid update on the current squad happenings, it is equally uncomfortable to be informed that a gifted athlete, who the Blue Army want to succeed, isn’t cutting it. Gray has been rightly singled out, Rodgers is fully within his right to drop his forward. It is also reassuring in the ‘man-management’ sense that Rodgers did speak to the player one-on-one.

This writer has been particularly critical of the Young Lion in the past for desire and focus issues. Believe me though, Foxes of Leicester want Gray to be a starter if he can somehow muster the concentration to prove, or improve, himself. He is receiving astronomical wages from our beloved club; maybe being left out is what he needs to reignite his passion. Now it feels imperative he finds the form we know his incredible skill set can deliver but on a regular basis.