How Leicester and Rodgers can salvage the 2021/22 season
By Will Kennedy
A European lifeline
Whilst their Europa League campaign ended in disappointment, the Foxes were saved by UEFA’s new third-tier European tournament: the Conference League. Initially, Rodgers rather embarrassingly said he had no idea what the competition was, now though, he has realised its importance.
Having beaten Danish side Randers in a two-legged play-off – a tie to decide who progressed to the knock-out stages – the Foxes face the prospect of being able to end the season by lifting their third trophy in just over a year. Against the Danes, Rodgers picked a strong squad; it’s clear that he wanted to make a statement of how he views the cup.
Outside viewers, and even some fans, make be quick to dismiss the quality of the competition, but this isn’t FIFA. Roma, Rennes, PSV, and Marseille are all tough competitors and will surely look at this competition as a must-win. Outside of those bigger names, you have teams who can create a shock if approached with complacency; we’ve already seen Tottenham fail to progress to the knockouts.
Currently, Leicester are joint-favourites to win the cup alongside Roma at 6/1, however they were also one of the bookies favourites to win the Europa League and we all know how that went. Rodgers must continue choosing his strongest squad for these games, fans won’t accept any less.