Talented but troubled footballer Bilal El Khannouss is proving that leopard spots rarely change. The Moroccan international, who is currently on loan at VfB Stuttgart, has often left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Leicester City faithful following unnecessary and unprofessional comments. Despite the Foxes sanctioning a temporary exit to the Bundesliga following their relegation to the Championship, El Khannouss has used his platform in mainland Europe to take several pointed swipes at his parent club.
Latest example
The 'old tricks' in question refer to his increasingly vocal, disparaging remarks, as well as a non-committal attitude. Having previously, disrespectfully states that he 'aimed much higher' than the English second tier, the 21-year-old recently gave a coy 'we'll see' response when quizzed about his long-term Reds future.
This ambiguous stance mirrors friction that defined his final days at King Power Stadium. At that time, reports suggested he was willing to sit in the stands to force a move. He also implied that he preferred Newcastle United or another Premier League side whilst already in Stuttgart.
"We’ll see about the future, but I’m a VfB player,”Bilal - Sport Witness
he said when that interest was put to him.
When quizzed whether he can see himself staying at Stuttgart, El Khannouss explained: “I can’t say whether I see myself as a loan player or a permanent fixture."
Only sportspeople with the lowest gratitude and self-respect exhibit this kind of distasteful mentality. LCFC's Blue Army fan base rarely forgive that kind of disrespect - and neither should the Germans!
Leicester City star in Germany
His form in Germany has been respectable, but not as mesmerising as Bilal would like to have you believe. The Morocco National Team representative notched three goals in his first six outings.
Nevertheless, El Khannouss's rhetoric regularly remains focused on 'why he couldn't stay in Leicestershire'. He recently admitted to "overthinking" during his time in England, contrasting it with the "instinctive" football he claims to play under Sebastian Hoeneß.
What's next?
For a player who cost Leicester £21million, and essentially failed in the Premier League, the lack of appreciation or recognition is baffling and annoying. Incidentally, Stuttgart hold an obligation to buy the playmaker for roughly €25m.
Foxes fans will surely hope that clause is triggered sooner rather than later to end this tiresome saga. If El Khannouss kept his mouth shut and focused, his on-field merits would be impressive.