How Brendan Rodgers improved Leicester after disappointments

Personally, I prefer a LCFC side that wants to control the ball. This obviously doesn’t mean the sluggish, retention-based possession we’ve witnessed on many occasions this season, but a style that sees the Foxes dictate the outcome of the game. However, it’s also smart to sometimes accept you’re the “inferior” side; to teams such as Manchester City or Liverpool, and this also translated to Chelsea—who are still playing for automatic UEFA Champions League qualification—whereas, Rodgers’ side is purely playing for pride. Accepting that “the Pensioners” were going to want to control the ball, allowed City to fixate their game plan on limiting their chance creation, and for the majority, managed this.

Throughout Rodgers’ reign in East Midlands, I’ve praised his ability to be adaptable. The game versus Chelsea was a clear indication that the Foxes have the tactical know-how to adjust depending on their opponent. That bodes well for the upcoming campaign, less tax on the players (with no European football) should equate to fewer injuries and more consistency in the starting XI. If you combine this with a deeper tactical understanding, then there’s every reason to be excited about the 2022/23 Premier League season—alongside the supposed “rebuild”.