It was a season where Leicester City really did not know what to expect. Ranieri had succeeded in keeping hold of Mahrez and Vardy but there was an undercurrent of fear which stemmed from N’Golo Kante’s sale to Chelsea. The Foxes have stuttered in the Premier League and although many expected to, maybe their position in the table has indeed come as a surprise to many.
Currently, in the 14th spot, they have failed to gather any sort of momentum in the League. While the performances haven’t been alarming, as Champions they are expected to be way higher in the standings.
And what has been a source of frustration for Ranieri is the fact that his team has been performing in such an admirable manner in the till-recently virgin territory of the Champions League. They are unbeaten in 4 matches, winning 3 of those on the bounce.
Let us take a look at 3 ways in which Leicester will look to improve their PL predicament.
UTILISE THE WINTER TRANSFER WINDOW FOR A MIDFIELDER
It was a surprise when Leicester decided against going for a like-for-like replacement for Kante. Maybe it was hard to get such a player and the nearest in terms of playing style was Nampalys Mendy who got injured in the only match he started. He has failed to recover till now and with the midfield lacking steel, they have to go for a player who could break up attacks and keep possession.
They cannot take a risk on Mendy’s fitness and there are doubts as to the level he can perform after such a lengthy lay-off. A look into the loan market might be a good option.
DITCH THE ARCHAIC 4-4-2
This was the formation which was pivotal to their success last season and while it got them unparalleled success, teams have exploited them this season and sometimes walked all over them. And with Vardy out of form, it renders the formation useless at times. Ranieri can invest in a midfielder to boost the centre of the park and a No.10 will be welcome either as a new signing or if he can get one of his present players to successfully play that role.
CHALK OUT A STRATEGY FOR POST-UCL MATCHES
Their main problem has been pretty clear for all to see. With a squad which is not deep enough, the Foxes have failed to cope up with the after-effects of the Champions League which has taken a lot out of the players. Used to playing a match a week, the long travel and the double shifts has clearly affected their performance. Ranieri has to take up this challenge and figure out a way soon.
Maybe a more pragmatic approach in the Premier League immediately after a UCL match will be a smart move. They sat deep and stayed tight towards the end of last season and this is something he has to look to do, irrespective of the team they are facing.
