The King Power Club's task is to get promoted back to the Premier League. This is vital. Promotion could stave off some shining talents from leaving the beleaguered side, but it also offers immense financial support for an institution struggling with possible PSR breaches.
That task is made extremely difficult when the head coach did not have a full preseason to develop his system and side, and when the players, despite large wages, fail to consistently deliver performances of a quality required to actually defeat opposition at this level. Defensively, occasionally we are strong, but other times absolutely limp.
QPR 4-1 Leicester City: A Devastating Reminder
In the last five matches preceding the QPR humiliation, Cifuentes' team managed two losses followed by two wins and a draw; both of the wins came as 3-1 victories. The team has shown an ability to score goals and to retain possession, but they often worsen during one of the halves, leaving them fighting for the points.
This fixture, however, was a startling reminder of the inconsistency and mentality concerns present in this squad. Again, we suffered from lethargy in defence, alongside an inability to sufficiently break down a strong, compact defence, which can then hit us hard on the transition. The Foxes might have had more possession, but they lacked the creativity, meaning we had fewer shots and fewer total set pieces.
Three Players to be Sacked off
Marti Cifuentes is clearly not up to the task of whipping these Premier League-level players into fighting form, or building up their mentality to avoid the lethargy and mistakes which prevail incessantly during matches. However, he alone does not just need to go. Three players at least were rubbish during this fixture, and clearly must also go.
First of all, Luke Thomas. The defender made a single successful challenge in the whole game, was unable to stop attackers on his flank, and overall failed to really impact the game. Oh, not to mention not a single cross which reached anyone (only one attempted), and almost every single pass was backwards to Jannik Vestergaard. Perhaps one of the least impressive performances from what should be a sound defensive left-back.
Second, Stephy Mavididi. Three shots, all of them blocked before they could reach the keeper. With only 50 touches of the ball, the winger also lost possession 15 times, only made two successful dribbles (which is what we need him to do), and made a sum total of 18 accurate passes. That was it. Frankly, those figures are not deserving of the No.10 shirt, which ought to be for our creative maestro.
Finally, despite some good games and good goals, Jordan Ayew. Zero shots. Two successful passes in the opposition half. 16 touches, 7 losses of possession. Oh, and just four total defensive contributions. The player came off at the 63rd minute, but that was far too late: Ayew was not displaying a single ounce of the defensive work rate and creative support the player had illustrated during previous fixtures. This is probably the worst performance he has had to date in any team's shirt.
To clarify, my suggestion to dismiss them is made in jest. Nevertheless, I believe Leicester City should actively seek free agents to strengthen these positions. It is already established that Michail Antonio is a target, and in my view, even with a broken leg, would outperform Ayew and Patson Daka combined. In contrast, I contend that Cifuentes should be replaced without delay, and I recommend appointing Michael Carrick as his successor.