Just seven years ago, Leicester City achieved the unthinkable by winning the Premier League title with odds of 5000-1. This was followed by an FA Cup triumph and Community Shield victory, but the Midlands side are now facing the prospect of relegation. They currently lie 19th in the table, two points from safety, and without a manager. Caretaker boss Adam Sadler has urged the team to remain focused on staying in the division, but Leicester are lacking in belief, confidence, and leadership.
The King Power Stadium was filled with a toxic atmosphere as Leicester were defeated by Bournemouth. The ‘clappers’ made famous during their shock title triumph were rattling away in support of the eleven players on the pitch, but as the minutes went on, that optimism ebbed away and frustration boiled over with loud boos echoing around the stadium. Philip Billing scored the winning goal courtesy of a gift from skipper James Maddison, who played a backpass without looking straight into the path of the Denmark international. Maddison was dejected after the match, apologising to the fans for his mistake.
Former England winger Chris Waddle said Leicester were very poor and lacking in belief, confidence, and leadership. Jamie Vardy has served the club with distinction but now looks past his best with one goal in his last 29 games. Ex-Leeds manager Jesse Marsch is reportedly in advanced talks to take over at Leicester, and ex-Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford believes this could be a good move for the Foxes. He said Marsch is a very passionate man who wears his heart on his sleeve and knows how he wants his team to play.
Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha watched on glumly as Leicester suffered another defeat. They have collected just eight points since Christmas, the lowest in the Premier League during that period, and have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 15 matches. Whoever takes charge of the next game has a mammoth task on their hands, coming up against champions Manchester City next Saturday. It is clear that Leicester need to rally together and show desire if they are to survive the drop this season.