Brendan Rodgers finally admits why Leicester haven’t made signings
Leicester City head coach Brendan Rodgers has commented on why his side are yet to make a single signing in this transfer window. Here is what we think.
Before the window opened, the Northern Irishman stated he wanted a ‘healthy shake-up’ of the squad. This would have led to significant changes in the side, and with the links, it did appear changes were in store.
However, come the start of the Premier League campaign and Leicester are yet to make a single signing, and have instead released six players, sent some on loan, and sold Kasper Schmeichel for paltry renumeration. So much hype for so little reward.
This transfer window promised so much. Linked to Charles de Ketelaere, a permanent signing of Ademola Lookman, Gleison Bremer, Jeremiah St. Juste, Noni Madueke, Christian Eriksen, Jesse Lingard and so on and on. The stories have been myriad, the actuality rather meek.
Leicester City’s boss responds
Pressed by BBC Sport, Rodgers has stated the King Power club held a differing opinion than himself leading up to a crucial transfer window:
"“I felt this was the time to improve but it’s not the case and I respect the club’s position”"
The Foxes were in dire need of change if you believed the head coach and the supporters. They needed to start selling deadwood and improve their options if they were to compete higher in the league table.
Rodgers is claiming to have supported this view. However, the club itself did not believe there was a desperate need to improve. To them, they have seen two fifth place finishes, an FA Cup, and one bad season marred with an injury crisis. They must have been wondering where the issue was.
It would also appear the Northern Irishman has resigned to disappointment and a ‘getting on with it’ attitude. Rodgers also commented:
"“They have been outstanding supporting me but at this time, I’m supporting them. I don’t need to fight with anyone I just need to concentrate on the players I have”"
These are some very interesting comments indeed. There is a mild sense of let down. Reading between the lines, the gaffer is really saying the club have supported him previously, but did not support his wishes this window. Instead, it is up to the manager to support the club: he must drive them forward without signings.
It would also seem Leicester will be content with what they have this season. It is fair to say the first team is good, and should be performant enough to win most matches. Nevertheless, injuries can still severely weaken the side.
Rodgers seems to be disappointed. The supporters are certainly disappointed. This transfer window could only become too little too late for improving the side.