THE JOURNALIST’S VIEW

JORDAN BLACKWELL, LEICESTER MERCURY

“Brendan Rodgers is making a mockery of the notion that managers need time. In nine months, he has transformed Leicester from a mid-table side into a top-four favourite; one that is stubborn at the back and ruthless in attack.

Performances and results have rejuvenated the fanbase and brought a buzz to the King Power Stadium not felt since reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2017.

The biggest difference on the pitch has been in the speed of play. Leicester improved in possession under Claude Puel, but their style was ponderous. Rodgers has since injected an intensity into the pressing and passing, with Youri Tielemans and James Maddison zipping the ball about to help City prise open deep-lying defences that had previously proved almost impossible to break through.

Jamie Vardy, assisted by his decision to stand down from international duties and a full

pre-season programme, has been revitalised under Rodgers. The setup is designed to create chances for the 32-year-old, who has been deadly upfront and shown again why he’s one of Europe’s sharpest strikers.

Off the field, the manager’s constant communication with starters, substitutes and squad players has brought harmony behind the scenes. He is wiser and more grounded than in his Liverpool tenure, but remains ambitious. Leicester fans are desperate for silverware and/ or a return to Europe, and they quickly warmed to a leader who shares their ambitions.

The Northern Irishman has also benefited from the club’s organisation. Leicester are well run, while recruitment over the last 18 months – bringing in Maddison, Tielemans, Ricardo Pereira, Jonny Evans, Dennis Praet, Ayoze Perez and Caglar Soyuncu – has been good. The pieces were there; Rodgers has put them together superbly.”