Does Claude Puel deserve more credit for Leicester’s success?

Claude Puel is a figure that divides opinion amongst Leicester City fans. Some view him as the unsung hero who paved the way for the Foxes current success whilst others see him as an incompetent manager who bored the fans to death with negative football. Before writing this article, it was interesting to get the opinions of LCFC fans on Twitter who voted 53-47 in favour of Puel deserving more credit.

Claude Puel’s recruitment

One thing that can generally be agreed is that Claude Puel oversaw a (generally) excellent recruitment drive in his two years. Under his management, Leicester City signed players such as James Maddison, Ricardo Pereira and Caglar Söyüncü who are now the mainstays of the current first-team.

Although there were massive successes, there were also some disasters- namely Diabaté and Ghezzal. Diabaté especially is used against Puel’s reputation, especially since he was signed on his recommendation. Unfortunately, not every bargain from Ligue 2 results in a Riyad Mahrez!

Now we can see why Claude tried so long and hard to retain the services of Riyad Mahrez for as long as possible (even blocking a transfer) since he was so unable to replace him. To his defence, it’s pretty difficult to replace Mahrez’s talents though Lookman may say otherwise in the future.