Leicester City’s journey back to the Premier League under manager Enzo Maresca has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions and challenges. Despite their success, there are concerns looming over the club’s financial fair play issues that could potentially impact their future. Maresca, however, remains confident in his team and their ability to compete in the top flight.
Maresca’s appointment as Leicester City’s manager came after his successful stint as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Italian coach was initially torn between attending his son’s birthday party and the job interview, but he ultimately chose the latter. He left a note behind, stating that it had to be worth it. And so far, it has been.
Upon arriving at Leicester, Maresca found a team with low morale following their relegation from the Premier League. However, he saw enough potential during a pre-season friendly against Liverpool to believe that he had the right players and spirit to mount a promotion campaign. Maresca’s approach differs slightly from Guardiola’s, allowing more freedom in decision-making for the players. He created a learning environment filled with challenges and sent videos to players to help them improve.
Key players like Jannik Vestergaard, Harry Winks, and Ricardo Pereira have been instrumental in Maresca’s plans. He also managed to get club legend Jamie Vardy on board with a new style of play, requiring him to involve himself more in the game rather than relying solely on his speed. Maresca’s coaching staff, including assistant manager Willy Caballero and first-team coach Danny Walker, have been invaluable assets.
Leicester City started their Championship campaign strongly, winning 21 out of their first 26 games. However, a bad patch in the last third of the season saw their lead dwindle and fans questioning Maresca’s approach. Despite the criticism, Maresca remained steadfast in his beliefs and principles, never compromising his style of play. He focused on the fact that his team continued to create chances, and the results eventually came.
The support of Leicester’s chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, was crucial during this challenging period. As the team struggled, Maresca received a reassuring hug from Srivaddhanaprabha, showing that the club was standing by him. The fans also had their reservations about the team’s style of play, but Maresca and his players stayed true to their philosophy and ultimately secured promotion.
Leicester City’s title-winning campaign was confirmed with a 3-0 victory over Preston. The away fans celebrated passionately, understanding and appreciating the team’s style of play. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Maresca remains committed to his way of playing in the Premier League. He knows that changes to the squad are necessary, and he will carefully consider his options as he navigates the next phase of his career.
In conclusion, Enzo Maresca’s journey with Leicester City has been filled with ups and downs. He overcame doubts and criticism to guide the team back to the Premier League. While financial fair play issues remain a concern, Maresca’s unwavering belief in his style of play and the support of the club’s chairman and fans have been instrumental in their success. As they prepare for the challenges of the top flight, Leicester City and Maresca are ready to make their mark once again.