Enzo Maresca must turn to Conor Coady to solve Leicester City’s five-year mentality problem
Leicester City’s instant return to the Premier League was placed into doubt for the first time all season after the 3-1 defeat to Leeds
There was an unwanted sense of déjà vu for Leicester City last night at Elland Road. The Foxes produced one of their performances of the season against their promotion rivals but came away from the game as losers.
Three Leeds goals in 14 minutes meant City’s lead at the top of the Championship was trimmed to only six points. After being better in every department for 80 minutes, it’s
The top of the table clash had everything. Very questionable refereeing from Premier League official Craig Pawson, a wrongly disallowed Patson Daka goal and even a set-piece goal for the Foxes.
But despite keeping Leeds out for the majority of the game, Leicester folded, just like they did at Coventry City last month. Stephy Mavididi and Daka both squandered huge chances to put the result to bed and Leeds smelt blood.
The reaction on social media and fan forums has delved into the multiple reasons why Leicester lost that game. Missed chances, a lack of ‘bottle’ or complete failure to see out games when up and against it.
However, one takeaway from the game that could completely change the outcome of Enzo Maresca’s first season at Leicester is Jannik Vestegaard’s suspension. The defender picked up his 10th yellow card of the season meaning Wout Faes will play with a new partner against Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Tuesday and Queens Park Rangers next weekend.
The last time the Danish centre-back wasn’t available, academy product Ben Nelson got the nod and performed well. But if City are to inherit any sort of leadership and organisation on the pitch when the going gets tough, it’s time for Conor Coady to be given a real chance.
Since completing his £8.5million move from Wolves in the summer, the England international has made just 10 appearances. His last outing in the Championship came in the 1-1 Boxing Day draw with Ipswich with Maresca reluctant to bring him off the bench to sure up his defence since then.
