Face up to the truth, Puel tells Leicester supporters

Claude Puel last night told his Leicester City critics to face “the truth” as he launched a fierce defence of his under-fire reign.

Puel claimed he was singled out for criticism ahead of bigger-spending, less successful managers and hit back at suggestions that his dour media persona was partly to blame for the mounting pressure on him.

The Frenchman again defended his decision to make seven changes for last weekend’s FA Cup defeat at Newport County, which came less than a month after a much-changed line-up lost a Carabao Cup quarterfinal against Manchester City.

His side are seventh in the Premier League, but persistent criticism from fans over his style of play, allied to clashes with senior players, have left Puel’s position under scrutiny and defeat against his former club Southampton today could spell further trouble, with in-form Wolves, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham their next four opponents.

“To finish seventh in the first half of the season with all the problems we have had is very good,” said Puel, who is 13-8 favourite with bookmakers to be the next Premier League manager to lose his job.

“If people believe we have to be sixth – that is our place – that is not the truth. It’s not possible.”

Puel brushed off talk of his image being a problem, adding: “The most important thing is not to be spectacular on the bench, it’s to perform on the pitch and make progress.”