Leicester City manager Marti Cifuentes has disclosed that Jordan James was withdrawn during Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers because of a back issue he suffered.
James was replaced by Bobby De Cordova-Reid in the 74th minute with City trailing by two goals. Andri Gudjohnsen netted twice, on either side of half-time, to hand the Foxes a third consecutive Championship defeat.
There was a mixed response to a triple substitution earlier in the second half, when Patson Daka, Jordan Ayew, and Luke Thomas entered the field for Julian Carranza, Stephy Mavididi, and Victor Kristiansen.
But when James’ number was shown, sections of the King Power Stadium jeered, while chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” followed as the Wales international headed toward the dugout.
After the loss, Cifuentes was questioned about the supporters’ reaction to his calls. Six minutes after James left the pitch, Boubakary Soumare was sarcastically applauded off when Silko Thomas was brought on in his place.
“I cannot make decisions based on what the fans in the stand think because it would be very difficult,” he said. “JJ had to be subbed because he was struggling with his lower back, he was in a lot of pain and there was no sense to risk him when we have another game on Tuesday.”
“We try to make the best decisions constantly. Now I understand when you have good players like JJ, not everyone understands, but I’m not coming here to try to explain all the decisions that I make.”
The defeat means City have now fallen four times in the Championship this season, the same number of victories they have achieved. They host in-form Middlesbrough at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night, hoping to reverse their fortunes.
At the final whistle on Saturday, cries of “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” were directed at the players as they made their way around the pitch. When asked about the fans’ reaction and its effect on the squad, Cifuentes added:
“Perhaps one bad reaction can trigger a different feeling.
“That’s the situation where we are now, we have to do better, whatever the reaction is from the crowd. As a new manager, who wants to do well for the club and has just arrived here, I know about the situation and I’m 100 per cent committed to changing things.
“Now, everybody needs to be accountable to the way they want to respond to this. I understand the frustration, but it’s not easy for some players. But we need to be better and respond in a better way.
“Mental strength is a big part of successful teams so when things go your way, it’s very easy to show up, but when things don’t, you need to respond. I’m here to support the players and try to get the best out of them and from there, I want to see much more.”