Fullback reiterates intention to stay and fight with Leicester in Championship
Still in the infancy of his tenure at Leicester City, Victor Kristiansen showed he still has a lot left to prove in a Foxes shirt. His wonderfully touted debut in the 4-2 win away at Aston Villa showed the playing potential of the young talented Dane. Although from this point, like the rest of the squad and the club, there seemed to be a quick decent into uncoordinated football. Ultimately these instances caused the East Midlands club’s relegation from the Premier League.
Kristiansen himself spoke about the difficulties of transitioning from title winners to a relegation fighting LCFC in the last 12 months. In a interview with bold.dk he said:
"“I have played at one club my whole life. This Copenhagen DNA, which people are so happy to talk about, is completely ingrained in me. Game principles, game pattern, running pattern and everything like that, it’s just something that I know off by heart.“Now I suddenly was at a place where I had to find myself and my team-mates. When you come to a club where you are in a pressure situation, have seven or eight contract expirations and a coach who was fired, there is just an incredible amount of uncertainty around a lot of things”."
The misguided vision which resulted in the club’s descent into demotion reflected into the Danish man’s play on the field. Failing to command a place in the first 11 when the newly appointed Dean Smith took over the reins of the Foxes. He started just one time the last five matches of the 2022/23 season. It was clear to see from his introduction, the immense potential the young left-back possess. The calmed defensive composure he has shown at times, as well as his decision making on the ball. As the performances and direction of the squad withered so did Kristiansen’s performances.
Despite picking up a league winner’s medal for his stint at FC Copenhagen, the young footballer remains positive about the prospect of a year in the English second division:
"“The Championship isn’t too bad to play in as a 20-year-old either. Forty-six games and a lot of other cup tournaments, plus either Under-21s or the senior national team, so I’m just looking forward to that.“It is clear that I bought into the fact I was going to the Premier League, but as I have also said before, you cannot go and think about whether you will be relegated or not. You have to just seize the opportunity when it comes and strike while the iron is hot. I did and jumped into it. I am sure that in ten years, when I look back on my career and hopefully have returned to FC Copenhagen, I will be happy about it”."
Building-blocks like Kristiansen will be crucial for the long-term project that new manager Enzo Maresca will be looking at utilizing for the clubs bid to gain promotion. It will also be very beneficial for the player and will most certainly result in the full-back reverting back to level of performance in which secured him an £18 million move to the Foxes in the first place.
Next. Why new Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca was the right choice. dark
Most importantly, he may progress into one of Championship’s top performer’s for the upcoming season. Foxes of Leicester is keen to witness the defender’s evolution in a demanding competition.