Gary Rowett's arrival at Leicester City signals a definitive shift toward the foundational. Known for sculpting disciplined, hard-to-beat units at Millwall and Birmingham City, Rowett supposedly brings a blueprint centered on defensive solidity. A commodity that has been in short supply at the King Power this season.
The former Fox's philosophy is built on a 'stable platform': prioritizing a compact shape that denies opponents space before unleashing the quality LCFC possesses in transition. Yet judging from the Stoke City display - work is required.
Demands
For the squad’s established stars like Harry Winks, Rowett demands more than just technical brilliance; he wants them to be the 'synergy' that holds the team together. He has challenged the senior core to drop individual ambitions and embrace the collective graft. Exactly what supporters desire.
Meanwhile, youngsters exemplified by emerging defender Ben Nelson and loanee Divine Mukasa are being asked to provide the 'energy, intensity and pace' needed to flip the script on opponents once that defensive base is secured. The Foxes were initially 'edgy' against the Potters; falling behind to an early Ben Wilmot header.
However, the second half saw a 'Rowett team' emerge: resilience and organisation. Mukasa's possible cross found the net; before Winks showed his class to put the Foxes ahead. Though a late and avoidable Wilmot second (Luke Thomas again suspect) meant points were shared in a 2-2 draw. Though the fightback ended a dismal run.
Gary Rowett aims for new Leicester City fundation of steel
Speaking after the final whistle, Rowett admitted the early goal shook his side but praised their refusal to buckle. He explained that while the quality in the squad is undeniable, it is 'unacceptable' to be in a relegation scrap.
"The players are devastated because they want to win games of football... At the moment, they've been really receptive to the ideas. They want to get out of the position they are in."Rowett - BBC Sport
The 51-year-old noted that the players are "devastated" not to have won. But emphasised that they must now 'show desire and quality on the pitch' rather than just talking about doing it.
Fans should now see more fight from Foxes
Looking ahead, LCFC fans can potentially expect a side that is far more difficult to break down. The immediate priority is tightening the backline to ensure the 'creative players aren't tasked with scoring three or four goals just to snatch a result', to paraphrase the gaffer.
If Rowett can marry his trademark English Football League Championship metal with LCFC's superior individual talent, the climb away from the bottom three should begin in earnest. Otherwise, they are down already!