Leicester boss on possibility of Newcastle game being cancelled
By Nathan Wong
Leicester City will seek to arrest their poor run of form against struggling Newcastle United on Sunday. However, there is the possibility this game may be postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Leicester City camp. This comes as bad news to a Foxes side already struggling for confidence and now hit by further absences.
Currently, seven Leicester players are out ill, although not all are due to COVID-19. Even so, Brendan Rodgers stated that the game will go ahead unless the situation reaches an “absolutely critical stage” as per Leicester Mercury. According to the Foxes boss, the players “Want to play football games” although recent performances may suggest otherwise.
Not only is this game in danger of postponement, but so is Thursday’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur, with the Londoners also suffering a COVID outbreak. In response to the wave of illnesses, LCFC has stepped up control measures to reduce potential transmission including more regular testing.
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This also comes at the same time as the Premier League’s return to emergency protocols. The take-home message from the manager was to “be vigilant” amidst a time of returning uncertainty.
However, COVID-19 is not the only issue that Rodgers must contend with as there are an increasing number of fans who are beginning to call for the managers head. A defeat against one of the worst sides in the league will only crank up the pressure on the Northern Irishman.
This season, Rodgers has stretched the patience of even the most forgiving supporter. Repeated failures to resolve set-piece and tactical flaws, stubborn substitutions, as well as laughable interview excuses, are all sticks to beat the manager with.
This criticism does not seek to forget the unforgettable success we have achieved in the last couple of seasons, but equally, football is a results business. What has been done must not cloud judgements of the present predicament. Leicester City, for all of Rodgers’ claims, are not ‘overachieving’; neither can the ‘young and naive’ excuse be wheeled out anymore.
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Regardless of whether the game on Sunday goes ahead, Brendan Rodgers must seek to address key problems that have crept into this Leicester City side. This starts with a dominant victory and a clean sheet against Newcastle, who are not as easy opponents as their league position may suggest. Only through convincing performances and improved results will the manager be able to convince an increasing number of sceptics within the Foxes fanbase.