Leicester City sacked Claude Puel on Sunday after the Foxes suffered a humiliating 1-4 defeat at home against Crystal Palace. The loss at the hands of the Eagles was their eighth defeat in their last nine games across all competitions.
However, the club’s hierarchy has been quick to act appointing Brendan Rodgers to take over the reins at King Power. It seems to be a smart move by them as Rodgers has plenty of experience of managing English clubs.
The Northern Irishman has previously managed Watford, Reading, Swansea City and Liverpool. Besides, he won all seven domestic trophies available during his latest two and a half year spell at Scottish giants Celtic.
Although Leicester City have a good stock of highly rated players in their arsenal, they have struggled in recent times. Here are three things which Rodgers should do to take the club back on the right track.
WORK ON THE BUILD-UP PLAY
The inability to play a free-flowing game in the attacking half is one of the reasons why Leicester City struggled this season. They have struggled during the counter-attacks, in particular, having lost the ability to affect the smooth transition in play.
Rodgers has perennially been an advocate of attack-based football, and he must strive to quicken up Leicester City’s build-up play. Puel was criticised for playing it safe in the midfield which in turn resulted in lack of opportunities for the players up top. Rodgers needs to mix adventure with caution, and the key will be to strike a balance which is highly possible given the talent at his disposal.
The 46-year-old focuses on short passes, quick exchanges of the ball and possession-based football. Moreover, he also lays a lot of emphasis on pace down the flanks and these elements would be vital for Leicester going forward.
UTILISE THE DEFENSIVE POTENTIAL
Under Puel, Leicester City’s defence was in tatters especially since the turn of the year with the club already conceding 15 goals, which is second only to doomed outfit Fulham. Therefore, there is an immediate need to sort the loopholes at the back.
Although Rodgers isn’t renowned for engineering sides with a resilient defensive line, he has to improve communication among his defensive players and instil a sense of belief and confidence in them.
Leicester City already have a genuine leader in Kasper Schmeichel who has to be convinced to remain at the club. With players like Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell and Jonny Evans at his disposal, he does have the resources to try and strike a balance between attack and defence.
BACK THE YOUNG GUNS
Rodgers has never refrained from giving a platform to the blossoming young players in order to take their game to the next level. For the club’s long-term success, it would certainly play an instrumental role.
During his recently concluded spell at the Celtic Park, Kieran Tierney, Moussa Dembele, Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer were some of the young players who were given adequate chances to excel by Rodgers.
With young guns like Youri Tielemans, Kelechi Iheanacho, Barnes and Demarai Gray on his books, there is no shortage of quality.
He will also be aided by a healthy mixture of experience and youth with players like Jamie Vardy, Schmeichel and Evans providing the perfect foil to a young crop of players with the likes of Maddison and Barnes at the forefront.