LEICESTER CITY

SPENDING MIDWEEK NIGHTS WATCHING THEIR RIVALS JET OFF WON’T BE MUCH FUN

2022-07-20 - JOE BREWIN @ Joebrewinfft

THE PLAN

The table might not lie, but it is prone to telling a few porkies. Ultimately, Leicester ended ‘ only’ a place outside the European spots last season, but a side ravaged by injury and poor form suffered for large spells and only came eighth after battering impoverished rival pushovers Norwich, Watford and Southampton in their last four games. In all, it means their task is altogether more straightforward now: do better. Brendan Rodgers’ men have spent the last two seasons balancing continental clashes with domestic duties, resulting in their thrilling romp to the Europa Conference League semi- finals. But spending midweek nights watching their rivals jet off won’t be fun; instead, Leicester’s players will be desperate to make their lighter schedules count as they push for the top six once more.

THE COACH

Having twice finished fifth before last season, Rodgers won’t – can’t – accept a prolonged slump. The ex- Liverpool chief has bared his shiny teeth at underperformers and threatened a ruthless overhaul, showing a far grittier side than in previous campaigns. This one may be decisive for him at Leicester.

THE OWNER

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha succeeded father Vichai after that tragic helicopter disaster of October 2018, and has continued to run the Foxes in dad’s image. ‘ Khun Top’ frequently interacts with fans, but he’s also an altruist who donated £ 1m to Leicester Hospitals Charity’s Neonatal Incubator Appeal in June.

LESSON FROM LAST YEAR

A big one, first: set- pieces. The Foxes have habitually struggled to defend them under Rodgers, but a previously niggly issue hit full- blown crisis point last season – Opta said the 16 goals they conceded from corners alone was the joint- most in a Premier League season ( since 2006- 07). It undermined Rodgers’ team throughout; they blew 21 points from winning positions, the division’s third- worst total. Generally, Leicester looked leggy – competing at home and abroad, a horrendous run of injuries throughout hampered them for the second campaign running. This summer, they’ve decided that enough is enough and gone all- out for Rangers’ highly rated doctor Mark Waller. It may not be a magic wand quick fix, but it’s surely a good start in steering Rodgers towards a settled starting line- up.

THE MOOD

A poor season by recent standards was brightened up by that surprisingly entertaining Conference League finalfour jaunt. UEFA’S third competition has added another viable route into Europe for Leicester, and that’s purely what Rodgers will be judged on this year. That run papered over cracks at home; this time, fans want to see some more convincing domestic displays.

ONE TO WATCH

All eyes will rest on Patson Daka as the 23- year- old Zambian heads into his second season. Last term was difficult for the £ 23m Salzburg signing, though electrifying episodes like his four- goal haul at Spartak Moscow proved there’s a predator within. Rodgers will ask for more from the forward, but so will he.

MOST LIKELY TO...

Cryogenically freeze one of their stars. Only seven players’ goals won more points than Jamie Vardy’s in 2021- 22 – an especially impressive feat given that Leicester’s favourite pest only featured in two games from the middle of January to mid- April. But how much longer can they rely on a player who started half their games last season?