Dean Ashton has raised doubts over Steve Cooper’s Leicester City, admitting he’s unsure of the team’s identity or a clear tactical approach under the manager.
Cooper briefly relieved some of the pressure on his position with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday at the King Power Stadium, a result that lifted Leicester to 15th in the Premier League table.
They also became the first newly promoted side this season to record a victory. Yet, criticism of Cooper’s methods persists, with Ashton, a former Premier League striker, questioning the direction the Foxes are heading under his guidance.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s GameDay Live after the match, Ashton said he found Leicester’s performance confusing in terms of strategy and style of play, contrasting it with the identity the team displayed last season.
“I am yet to look at a Steve Cooper side and know how are they playing, what is it that sort of sets them aside and what he wants his team to do,” Ashton remarked.
He pointed to a lack of coherence in Leicester’s approach during the game against Bournemouth.
“Today was very much we’re going to go forward early, hit the front early, flick it in behind for [Jamie] Vardy. There’s nothing wrong with that, but then there were separate parts where they are trying to play right out from the goalkeeper.”
Ashton highlighted the clear tactical approach Leicester had last season under Cooper but noted its absence this term.
“There was just a strong identity last season,” he said.
“I am yet to see that from Steve Cooper, but ultimately can’t criticise him too much because he made a big call before the game and it worked.”
Cooper’s side face a crucial period ahead, with a trip to Southampton, another newly promoted club, after the international break, followed by a home clash against Nottingham Forest, Cooper’s former club.