Is it a disaster that Leicester City won’t be in Europe next season? Foxes of Leicester analyse the negative implications of a quieter 2022/23.
I don’t want to be the messenger of doom at the helm of this article. No. What I would like to do is realistically examine where LCFC are as a team and organisation. Which includes appraising coaching staff. Along with assessing a regressive season.
Consequently we may know where we are as a side, and what to expect to happen in the off-season. We will hopefully understand how those factors will affect the upcoming campaign. By the way, there is nothing to worry about, in my opinion. With regard to the overall health of the club, we are beautifully positioned. The ownership are second to none, and will enable growth in all departments as usual.
Khun Top Srivaddhanaprabha will, though, undoubtedly be unsatisfied by failure too qualify for the Europa League at least. That is following investment in personnel over recent years, as well as having the brand new state-of-the-art training facility to boost preparation. But Khun Top is a pragmatic man, as was his beloved late father and former chairman, Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Therefore I expect boss Brendan Rodgers to remain for the rebuild.
However, who is playing regularly, strengthening the XI with additions and who steers the ship is constantly up for debate in the vast majority of outfits. Rodgers is likely to stay, as I mention. Reportedly he has a great relationship with the owner and his people, like director of football Jon Rudkin and chief executive officer Susan Whelan.
I could put it this way for better perspective: if Rodgers and his players do not secure Euro qualification from the upcoming 2022/23 term, he will likely be amicably relieved of duty. In spite of that hypothetical prediction, I actually think another wonderful FA Cup triumph or possibly attaining the League Cup is more achievable without foreign football to concern themselves with. Should he and his staff remain, they should appoint a specialist set-piece guru – and fast!
Obviously the major problems over the position LCFC are in shall be a loss of revenue, first of all. But the element supporters will be more worried about, is merely having domestic action means some important potential signings won’t occur. Furthermore, the anxiety of losing stars like James Maddison is already palpable. It is worth remembering the club’s acute eye for a moneyball-esque bargain, here.
Youri Tielemans will finally, surely, have made his mind up to depart now. If he hadn’t already. But a significant fee will ease the faithful’s dismay. Reinvesting wisely is, of course, key. All in all, this isn’t a disaster, the incredible progress made by Leicester City Football Club has simply taken a year’s hiatus.
Leicester City vs Everton
An East Midlands team with nothing much to play for anymore, as previously discussed, welcome the Toffees to King Power Stadium this weekend. From a Leicester perspective, the occasion is a bit of a waste of time. Yeah, a place or two up the division means a few million difference; pocket change on this echelon. Additionally, finishing in the top half looks better. Yet it is almost academic for the Foxes at this stage of a relatively unsatisfactory campaign.
Nevertheless, the Leicester side which is chosen owes it the Blue Army to provide them with a display to be proud of. Frank Lampard’s men will be up for this one, so expect a tough match with goals. Everton will be raring to go by the 2pm kick-off. Eyes will be simultaneously on Emirates Stadium, as Arsenal entertain relegation threatened Leeds United.
Refereeing staff at KPS are as so: referee Craig Pawson; Dan Cook along with Eddie Smart are assistants; David Coote is fourth official. Lee Mason and Simon Beck will run VAR. Unfortunately the match will not be televised live in the United Kingdom, yet highlights will be on LCFCtv. Although you need to sign up to a free account, if you don’t already have one, in order to access the Foxes footage.