Claudio Ranieri’s title winning fairy tale did not keep him at the club for another year but his methods are still in use at the King Power. Craig Shakespeare, the Italian manager’s sidekick last season, was handed over the responsibilities of the side as a caretaker manager and he looks set to continue in that role for the next season.
The Foxes had a decent European campaign but will want to forget their league journey as soon as possible. They needed a late surge to avoid relegation and will have to work really hard, not just after the season starts, but even before it.
Claudio Ranieri made some smart signings in the previous summer, with the likes of Islam Slimani already making an impact on the squad. However, Shakespeare will now have to make sure that he finds the right balance to be able to compete with the best next season.
Here are three positions that they need to improve on if they want to repeat their success from the 15-16 campaign:
CDM:
One of the most important positions in a squad in the Premier League is the defensive midfield position. French international N’Golo Kante has been the backbone of the last two teams to win the league title and Leicester have not been able to replace him since his move to Chelsea. While Danny Drinkwater adds stability to the midfield, Leicester used Wilfred Ndidi, who has done a decent job in Kante’s role. However, they need a genuine power horse in the middle of the park and surely, Shakespeare will look for some of the best names in Europe.
Central defence:
Wes Morgan and Robert Huth were impeccable in the title winning season for the club but neither has been consistent this season and Leicester might need a change in this position next season. They are not in Europe and do not need too much of depth but their first choice centre-backs have not shown enough promise for the manager to stick with them and he might be in the market for a new centre-back this summer.
Wingers:
The Foxes love to play in a 4-4-2 formation which sees them defend in a compact manner. But that means that they have little width while going forward. Marc Albrighton and Riyad Mahrez have hogged the positions on the wings but neither has been effective. The Algerian has also been constantly linked with an exit, and even if he decides to stay, Leicester should spend on another winger, who can add a different dimension to their attack, helping them through some tough games.
