When Marti Cifuentes first arrived at Leicester City, the Blue Army supporters were assured of an offensive brand of football. Alongside a hopefully fully effective attacking unit, it was anticipated that the Catalan manager would structure the squad and spark more of a revolution than a mere evolution on Filbert Way.
Additionally, the former Queens Park Rangers coach declared that he would seek to elevate and make use of talented LCFC academy prospects.
Let me deal with the initial issue: City’s frontline is worse than it was when we were relegated. Granted, the Foxes had the unstoppable and unmatchable Jamie Vardy back then. However, I’m simply evaluating the present squad and presenting the reality. For those unaware, Leicester’s three recognised senior strikers have just one goal between them this season!
What is happening at King Power Stadium?! Certain coaches would be dismissed by professional outfits for such a statistic alone.
Neglecting to form a proficient group of forwards is arguably a shortcoming in itself. City’s form and station in the Championship table indicate that the 43-year-old has indeed stumbled at this early point in the season.
I’ll now explore the third negative element surrounding Cifuentes, aside from faltering forwards, poor displays, and disappointing outcomes.
Though the boss has consistently featured City’s standout young talent, Jeremy Monga, other highly rated prospects like defender Ben Nelson, Bade Aluko, and Jake Evans have barely featured!
But all of this may be irrelevant for the head coach, as whispers hint that he must win these matches or face dismissal.
Marti Cifuentes has two fixtures to salvage Leicester City’s form:
If LCFC’s current position wasn’t concerning enough, they face promotion favourites Middlesbrough next. Four days later, the East Midlanders travel to a struggling Norwich City. However, those clashes could be Cifuentes’ final chance:
“The Foxes’ next 2 fixtures, against Middlesbrough and Norwich City, could prove decisive. Defeat in either may force the board to act, particularly with murmurs of discontent growing around the club’s hierarchy. For now, Cifuentes insists he remains focused on reversing Leicester’s fortunes, but the pressure is unmistakable.
“Leicester’s promotion campaign is slipping away, and unless performances improve rapidly, the Spaniard’s tenure could be cut short. What was once seen as a short-term dip now looks alarmingly like a full-blown crisis.” – [The Real EFL]