Russell Martin is in full swing at LeicesterCity and the revolving door is also swinging around and rotating as much as mechanically possible! The former Southampton boss has certainly wasted no time in imposing his demanding ethos upon the playing squad during the off-season.
Martin has quickly won support among a few members of the faithful in his infancy, having pushed the LCFC squad through an exceptionally intense gauntlet of pre-season training. The Blue Army is also understandably relieved to see the departure of several undesirable elements, finally clearing the most heavily overpaid figures from the club's financial ledgers.
Those exits include the likes of Jannik Vestergaard and Harry Winks, who have moved on to pastures new or literally had a contract terminated. Victor Kristiansen was permitted to leave on loan; a decision many supporters will welcome given the underwhelming nature of his tenure at King Power Stadium.
Luke Thomas remains at the club, though his struggles at left back may continue; nevertheless he is player whose current level may have finally been revealed in League One. Conversely, the Foxes have started their pre-season schedule in fine form, securing victories over both Northampton Town and Bristol Rovers.
Jake Evans and Bobby De Cordova-Reid updates prior to Burton Albion vs Leicester City
This Saturday, the East Midlands side travel to the Pirelli Stadium to face Burton Albion in what promises to be a stern rehearsal of a future third-tier contest. The previous trip to the southwest saw both Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Jake Evans miss out, though their absences were merely precautionary.
Youngster Jake Evans is viewed by many as a bright prospect who possesses the skill and the potential to aid City's climb back to their rightful position. However, Martin noted that while the attacker has applied himself diligently throughout the summer, he has occasionally struggled with the sheer pace of this senior pre-season slaughterhouse.
Russell Martin on Jake Evans🗣️
— Leicester Xtra (@XtraLeicester) July 17, 2026
‘You have Jake who is 17 and never has experienced this level of intensity of pre-season before so he’s been hanging on by a thread a little bit, he’s done great’ pic.twitter.com/s94Cu2isV5
The gaffer admitted that the youngster has performed well in practice, though he was recently left 'hanging on by a thread' due to the relentless nature of the sessions. Bobby De Cordova-Reid has also faced his fair share of criticism from the stands, most of which has been arguably justifiable.
Nevertheless, should 'BDCR' remain at the club, he could yet prove to be a thrilling and vastly productive asset in this division. As an international footballer, he certainly has the pedigree to excel if he can find his rhythm under Martin's guidance.
Both players are expected to be available for selection when the side lines up against Burton this weekend. Although, possibly not in the starting line-up.
"Both precautionary, I expect both to be involved on Saturday," Martin said post-match on Tuesday. "It's really difficult balancing pre-season because they've worked so hard."Martin on the pair - LCFC Live
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