Leicester City’s inexplicable Premier League triumph in 2016 will remain as a fairy tale forever. The aura of Claudio Ranieri won’t be emulated anytime soon. However, the team, being regrouped and reconstructed by Brendan Rodgers, has been backed to move onto a ‘different level’ by none other than Spanish veteran Juan Mata.
While speaking to Sky Sports, the Manchester United midfielder lauded the Foxes’ resurgence and acknowledged the fact that they have emerged as one of the prime contenders to grab a place in Europe next season.
‘I think every club is improving and clubs like Leicester are recruiting really well and they have very good players that can take them to a different level. Not long ago (Leicester) won the Premier League so they know what it takes to win.”
Although the East Midlands giants suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Red Devils at Old Trafford, Rodgers’ men have retained a place in the ‘top four’ and exhibited an entertaining brand of football week in week out. The season is still in its early stage, but Leicester’s quality, consistency and resilience have helped them maintain superiority over Spurs and Man United so far in the league standings.
What Rodgers’ Have Done To Transform Leicester Into European Contenders
The club had moments of excellence in the post-Raniera era under Craig Shakespeare and Claude Puel. None of them, however, managed to implement a philosophy within the squad and, therefore, faced exit failing to attain anything but mid-table status.
Rodgers, meanwhile, tried to bring in identity since his appointment and has been able to achieve the same to some extent with a free-flowing, attacking and counter-pressing football. They have been one of the most exciting sides to watch, and the gaffer has successfully channelled his ideology similar to what he introduced at Swansea City, Liverpool and Celtic before joining the Foxes.
Why Mata Has Assessed It Right About Leicester City
Despite the high-flying inception, it is to be seen now whether Leicester manage to keep going until the very end of the ongoing campaign. But the early impression suggests that their boisterous run is no fluke and the players are responding well to the manager’s tactics and strategy irrespective of the outcomes. They are currently five points clear of Manchester United who are struggling in the bottom half, and the gap would only increase unless the Foxes falter which looks increasingly unlikely considering the current state of affairs.
