When Leicester City stumbled to Carabao Cup second round success over Stockport County last month, the only player on the pitch who resembled the spirit that the fans used to see was Youri Tielemans. With the Belgian’s future semi-resolved, his attitude that night, and since, has proven that he is committed to the King Power cause – this guarantee can’t be attributed to some Foxes players.
There have even been whispers, thus far unverified, that the midfielder may be in line for a one-year contract extension after a move away never materialised this summer. If he does put pen to paper, it will be a welcome surprise for the East Midlands club, who could then still attract a transfer fee this time next year, and a selfless act from Tielemans given the future financial incentive for him to leave on a free.
After last night’s disappointing performance in defeat at home to Manchester United, the mood was bleak, particularly if you read Brendan Rodgers’ post-match press conference quotes. Pessimism has been a running theme around the King Power club for some time, and this negativity has translated onto the pitch with four defeats from the first five fixtures leaving City two points adrift at the base of the table.
This morning, after the dust had settled from a hopeless display at the King Power, Tielemans took to social media to address the Foxes faithful, providing an open message of realism and a tinge of optimism. City’s No. 8 posted to his Instagram:
"“Dear Leicester City fans. “As much as we love football it is sometimes very frustrating. Results and performances have not gone our way lately. However, the players along with the staff are working continuously hard to turn things around quickly."
It’s a simple message, but in a time where some supporters have began to feel more detached from the club than ever, one of the club’s star players speaking to them is an all round good gesture from the midfielder. The Belgian did not play particularly well last night, along with the majority of his teammates, but it’s clear now that he is invested in the club for at least the next few months. Tielemans went on to say:
"“I’d like to thank you for your support in these tough times and hopefully we can give something positive back starting on Sunday.”"
The message was signed off with the popular hashtag: #FoxesNeverQuit – something the King Power faithful will have been grateful to read. Given the behaviour from former Fox Wesley Fofana that City fans found so offensive as he forced a move to Chelsea, Tielemans’ conduct has been described as dignified and professional in comparison. Please select the ‘Final page’ option underneath this paragraph in order to complete the article.
At the time of writing, the post has received nearly 40,000 likes in just five hours, attracting a significantly higher engagement rate than Tielemans’ Instagram account would typically draw. It appears addressing the fans directly with such up front honesty has endeared the Belgian towards the supporters at a time where his popularity could have swung on a knife edge.
The midfielder may well still have designs on moving away in a year’s time, and if he does leave on a free transfer, the way he has conducted himself means that he will be unlikely to receive anywhere near the level of criticism and vitriol that the outgoing Fofana has done. For now, it’s in Tielemans’ best interests to perform well for Leicester, particularly ahead of the World Cup, and whatever happens afterwards remains to be seen.
The No. 8 will no doubt be completely focused on helping his side get a win on the board for the first time this season, and is expected to be retained in the starting lineup as the Foxes travel south to face Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon. While other positions around him may see fresh faces returning to the eleven, Tielemans will probably be alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (who led the press against Manchester United) and Boubakary Soumare who was one bright spark in a very disappointing evening.