Leicester City finds themselves in an unexpected position, still firmly in contention for promotion to the Premier League despite consecutive losses to Millwall and Plymouth Argyle in the past week. Despite the recent setbacks, the Foxes are miraculously holding onto the top two spots in the Championship standings.
Friday’s disappointing performance at Plymouth Argyle culminated in Enzo Maresca and his squad enduring the ire of the majority of the 1,600 traveling supporters. To outsiders, criticism directed towards a team boasting 88 points and 28 wins from 42 matches may seem unfounded, but for Leicester faithful, the downturn in form has been nothing short of dismal.
The warning signs have been apparent for some time. Following a resounding 5-0 victory over Stoke City at the start of February, Maresca’s side has managed just five wins in their last 12 league matches, secured only one clean sheet in their last 10 Championship outings, and astonishingly squandered 72 significant scoring opportunities this season.
Consecutive defeats to Millwall and Plymouth, both employing similar deep defensive tactics aimed at catching Leicester on the counter, initially led many, including myself, to concede that automatic promotion seemed out of reach. However, results from Saturday’s fixtures have unexpectedly presented Leicester with an opportunity to seize control of the promotion race.
Leeds United, also struggling under pressure, suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers, who had been soundly beaten 5-0 by Bristol City just three days prior. Ipswich Town, likewise, failed to capitalize on Leicester’s stumbles, extending their winless streak by failing to defeat Middlesbrough at Portman Road.
Incredibly, Leicester remains in the top two, one point ahead of Leeds and level with Ipswich, with a game in hand and three home fixtures on the horizon. Their destiny remains within their grasp.
The lackluster performance and defeat at Home Park have left many questioning Leicester’s capabilities. Criticism has also been directed towards Maresca for his failure to alter the team’s fortunes when faced with adversity, suggesting a lack of a plan B.
However, the blame cannot solely be placed on the manager. Eight of the starting 11 against Plymouth have Premier League experience but have consistently failed to deliver when it matters most.
Addressing the mentality issues within the club, I noted on The Big Strong Leicester Boys Podcast, “There is a sense of arrogance among certain players, as if they believed they could simply show up and defeat Plymouth.”
“I did mention that Leicester’s remaining fixtures were favorable because they had previously defeated all seven remaining opponents, but it appears that these teams have figured out how to counter Leicester’s attacking prowess,” I added.
While I have been reluctant to criticize Maresca in the past, doubts have crept in after the team’s recent performances. The Italian manager is under pressure, and he must provide answers to alleviate concerns about his position.
“I’m not calling for Maresca’s dismissal, and I won’t do so for the remainder of the season,” I asserted. “Even if Leicester fail to secure automatic promotion and find themselves in the playoffs, I will continue to support the manager.”
“My main concern is for the Premier League. When teams like Crystal Palace visit the King Power Stadium and take the lead, will Maresca stick to his slow-tempo approach without a plan B? Leicester cannot afford to lose such matches next season,” I emphasized.
Looking ahead to next Saturday’s fixture against West Brom, changes are necessary, with Conor Coady poised to replace Patson Daka upfront. Daka, who has faced criticism in recent weeks, may benefit from some time out of the spotlight, while Coady’s defensive prowess could bolster the starting lineup.
Following a hectic end to March and the start of April, Leicester now has a week to rest, recuperate, and prepare for their upcoming matches. The players have an opportunity to demonstrate their mental fortitude, while Maresca’s managerial decisions will be scrutinized in the wake of recent performances.
Despite the disappointment of Friday night, there is a renewed sense of optimism following Saturday’s results. As the headline suggests, Leicester has a golden opportunity to reverse their fortunes and secure promotion to the Premier League.