Daily Mail

PUEL FACING AXE AFTER PALACE THRASHING

- By LAURIE WHITWELL

CLAUDE PUEL is heading for the sack as Leicester manager after senior club figures were left visibly furious by the 5-0 thrashing at Crystal Palace. They are understood to have held an inquest after Saturday’s game and sources believe the defeat will prove a watershed moment in deciding the Frenchman’s fate, with a summer parting highly likely. To stand a chance of staying on, Puel needs a strong finish to the season and a return to the high-energy pressing that brought four straight wins soon after he took over from Craig Shakespear­e in October — beginning with Saturday’s visit by West Ham. Puel has introduced a more methodical system of building from the back, causing frustratio­n among players and fans, just as it did at Southampto­n last year, where he was sacked after one season despite finishing eighth in the Premier League and reaching the EFL Cup final. Supporters called for Puel’s removal after the Palace defeat left Leicester with 18 points from 18 games and unable to achieve their target of Europa League qualificat­ion. His approach has drawn significan­t criticism, particular­ly his limited communicat­ion, frequent changes to selection and a failure to inject intensity into training. Some players are delaying decisions over their futures until the situation becomes clearer.

 ?? ?? But there are also Leicester insiders who feel Puel is paying the price for certain players under-performing, while another issue raised relates to the number of squad members commuting from outside Leicesters­hire, some from as far as London. The decision on Puel’s future will be made by the club’s owners, the Srivaddhan­aprabha family, and dismissal would mean the search for a fourth manager in 14 months. Former Hull and Watford boss Marco Silva has emerged as a potential replacemen­t as he has admirers at the King Power Stadium. Meanwhile, Marc Albrighton has been charged with misconduct by the FA for reacting angrily towards referee Mike Dean following his red card at Palace. Under fire: Claude Puel
But there are also Leicester insiders who feel Puel is paying the price for certain players under-performing, while another issue raised relates to the number of squad members commuting from outside Leicesters­hire, some from as far as London. The decision on Puel’s future will be made by the club’s owners, the Srivaddhan­aprabha family, and dismissal would mean the search for a fourth manager in 14 months. Former Hull and Watford boss Marco Silva has emerged as a potential replacemen­t as he has admirers at the King Power Stadium. Meanwhile, Marc Albrighton has been charged with misconduct by the FA for reacting angrily towards referee Mike Dean following his red card at Palace. Under fire: Claude Puel

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