Introduction: Leicester City Football Club’s remarkable journey from winning the Premier League title in the 2015/16 season to facing relegation just seven years later has been a stark contrast. This article examines the factors that contributed to the club’s fall from grace and the challenges they faced along the way.
The Fairy Tale : Leicester City
Leicester’s astonishing Premier League triumph in 2015/16, defying all odds.
Leicester City’s historic Premier League triumph in the 2015/16 season stands as one of the greatest underdog stories in the history of football. Against all expectations, the Foxes, led by their charismatic manager Claudio Ranieri, rose from being relegation candidates to becoming champions of England. It was a fairytale come true that captured the hearts and imaginations of football fans worldwide. They were 5000-to-1 odds to win at the start of 2015/16 season.
The team’s incredible chemistry, led by manager Claudio Ranieri and key players such as Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.
At the heart of Leicester’s remarkable success was the incredible chemistry within the team. Manager Claudio Ranieri fostered a united and resilient spirit that permeated every aspect of the club. The players, including the talismanic Jamie Vardy and the creative genius Riyad Mahrez, formed a close-knit group that believed in their abilities and fought for each other on the pitch.
Jamie Vardy’s incredible rise from non-league football to becoming the Premier League’s top scorer epitomized the sheer determination and tenacity that ran through the squad. His explosive speed, relentless work rate, and clinical finishing made him the perfect embodiment of Leicester’s never-give-up attitude.
Riyad Mahrez, with his exquisite dribbling skills and magical moments of brilliance, provided the creative spark that lit up Leicester’s attacking play. His ability to unlock defences and produce breathtaking goals and assists proved invaluable throughout the title-winning campaign.
Post-Championship Challenges
The departure of key players: N’Golo Kante, Danny Drinkwater, and eventually Riyad Mahrez.
Following Leicester City’s triumphant Premier League campaign, the club faced the daunting task of keeping their championship-winning squad intact. However, the harsh reality of football’s financial landscape soon set in, as Leicester struggled to retain their key players. The departures of influential figures such as N’Golo Kante, Danny Drinkwater, and later Riyad Mahrez dealt significant blows to the team’s cohesion and quality.
N’Golo Kante, the tireless midfield engine, left for Chelsea, leaving a massive void in Leicester’s midfield. His relentless energy, impeccable defensive skills, and ability to cover vast amounts of ground were instrumental in their title success. Danny Drinkwater, a crucial midfield partner to Kante, departed for Chelsea as well, further weakening Leicester’s midfield stability.
The loss of Riyad Mahrez, the creative force behind many of Leicester’s attacking exploits, was another major setback. His mesmerizing dribbles, precise passing, and ability to score crucial goals were unmatched, and his departure to Manchester City signaled a significant blow to Leicester’s ambitions.
Managerial changes and the struggles to find a suitable successor to Ranieri.
The departure of Claudio Ranieri, the mastermind behind Leicester’s miraculous triumph, marked the beginning of a period of instability and uncertainty. Finding a suitable successor to replicate Ranieri’s success proved to be an arduous task. The subsequent managerial changes disrupted the team’s rhythm and hindered their progress on the field.
The failure to establish a stable managerial foundation impacted player morale and tactical cohesion. The constant reshuffling of managers hindered the implementation of a consistent playing style, and the club struggled to regain the collective spirit and tactical astuteness that defined their championship-winning season.
Increased competition from wealthier clubs in the Premier League.
Leicester City’s rise to the top of English football drew attention from wealthier clubs with greater financial resources. The increased competition posed a significant challenge for Leicester, as they found themselves battling against clubs with vast financial backing and star-studded squads. The financial disparities between Leicester and the so-called “big six” clubs became more pronounced, making it increasingly difficult for Leicester to maintain their position among the league’s elite.
The influx of wealthier clubs disrupted Leicester’s ability to attract and retain top-quality players. Financial constraints limited their ability to compete in the transfer market, leaving them at a disadvantage when trying to bolster their squad with high-caliber talent. As a result, Leicester faced an uphill battle against clubs with deeper pockets and greater resources.
These post-championship challenges painted a pessimistic picture for Leicester City, as they grappled with the realities of financial limitations, player departures, and managerial instability. Despite their valiant efforts, it became increasingly difficult for the club to replicate the extraordinary heights they had reached during their fairy tale title-winning season.
Financial Limitations
Leicester’s financial constraints compared to the “big six” clubs.
Leicester City’s financial limitations became glaringly apparent when compared to the financial juggernauts of the Premier League, commonly referred to as the “big six.” While clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur possessed immense financial resources, Leicester found themselves operating on a significantly tighter budget. The enormous financial disparities between these clubs and Leicester created an unlevel playing field, making it an uphill battle for the Foxes to compete at the same level.
The inability to sustain the squad’s quality and depth due to financial disparities.
The financial disparities between Leicester and the “big six” clubs directly impacted the squad’s ability to maintain the same level of quality and depth. Unlike their wealthier counterparts, Leicester was unable to splash vast sums of money on marquee signings or secure the services of established star players. This lack of financial muscle restricted their ability to consistently strengthen the squad and build the necessary depth required to compete at the highest level.
Difficulties attracting top-tier talent and retaining star players.
Leicester City’s financial limitations also posed significant challenges when it came to attracting top-tier talent. While the allure of playing for a club that had achieved the impossible in their title-winning season remained, the lack of financial incentives made it difficult to entice highly sought-after players. The inability to offer exorbitant wages or compete with the transfer fees offered by wealthier clubs hampered Leicester’s ability to acquire and retain top-quality players.
Additionally, Leicester found it increasingly challenging to retain their star players. As ambitious footballers sought new opportunities and larger financial rewards, Leicester’s restricted resources made it difficult to match the offers from other clubs. Consequently, the Foxes were often forced to part ways with their prized assets, hindering their ability to maintain a consistent and formidable squad.
Financial Fair Play.
The financial landscape of modern football introduced another obstacle for Leicester City in the form of Financial Fair Play regulations. While these regulations aimed to promote financial stability and fair competition, they often worked to the detriment of clubs like Leicester, who were unable to generate substantial revenues or benefit from significant external investments. Compliance with Financial Fair Play further limited the club’s financial flexibility, making it even more challenging to bridge the financial gap with their wealthier rivals.
Managerial Instability
The managerial merry-go-round: From Ranieri’s dismissal to the appointments of Craig Shakespeare, Claude Puel, Brendan Rodgers, and others.
Leicester City’s post-championship journey was plagued by a disheartening cycle of managerial changes. Following their remarkable triumph under Claudio Ranieri, the club struggled to find a suitable successor who could replicate his success and provide stability. Ranieri’s dismissal came as a shock to many, given his role in leading the team to unprecedented glory. However, it marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for the Foxes.
The subsequent appointments of Craig Shakespeare, Claude Puel, and Brendan Rodgers, among others, were met with mixed results and failed to establish a long-term vision for the club. Each manager brought their own ideas and playing styles, resulting in inconsistent performances on the pitch. The lack of managerial stability hindered the team’s progress, preventing them from building upon their championship success and establishing a sustained period of excellence.
Disruption caused by frequent changes in leadership and playing style.
The constant flux in managerial leadership had a disruptive impact on Leicester City’s playing style and overall cohesion. With each new manager came a different approach, tactics, and philosophy, leading to a lack of continuity and fluidity within the team. The players were forced to adapt to new systems and strategies, which often required significant adjustments in their playing style and roles.
This constant upheaval not only affected the team’s on-field performance but also hindered the development of a cohesive unit. It takes time for players to familiarise themselves with a new manager’s methods and for the squad to build a harmonious understanding. Unfortunately, the frequent changes in leadership prevented Leicester from finding stability, impeding their ability to sustain success and reach their full potential.
Financial Implications and Transfer Activity
Leicester City’s arduous journey through struggles in the league and their subsequent relegation battle had profound financial implications for the club. These challenges forced them to confront reduced revenues, explore potential player sales, and carefully consider investments in new signings. In the face of such circumstances, the delicate balancing act of managing their financial stability became a priority.
Financial Fair Play on Leicester
The implementation of Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions added an additional layer of complexity to Leicester City’s financial landscape. These regulations aimed to promote financial sustainability within football clubs but often posed hurdles for teams looking to navigate difficult situations. Leicester City found themselves needing to carefully analyze and strategize their transfer activity within the confines of FFP guidelines.
One aspect that had a significant impact on the club’s financial decisions was the timing of player sales. While it would have been tempting to cash in on the talents of players such as Jamie Vardy, Youri Tielemans, James Maddison, and Wilfred Ndidi. The club recognized the loyalty and dedication exhibited by these players during challenging times and acknowledged their importance to the squad.
In an effort to maintain team cohesion and bolster their chances of reclaiming their former glory, Leicester City resisted the urge to offload these valuable assets at a time when their market value might have been high. Instead, they focused on supporting and nurturing the talents of these players, understanding that their contributions on the pitch went beyond monetary value.
By keeping hold of their key assets, Leicester City displayed a commitment to both the team’s success and the emotional bond between the club and its players. This sympathetic approach not only allowed the club to retain the services of these talented individuals but also fostered an environment of trust, loyalty, and unity within the squad.
They should of sold them to reinvest in the money, true some of their recent buys hasn’t been great or worked, Ahmed Musa (€19.50m) played 1 season then on loans with multiple clubs, Islam Slimani £28m a season and half then loans out, Adrien Silva £22m same season and a half, seems like there wasn’t recruitment strategy or plan when buying players
Furthermore, Leicester City carefully evaluated their transfer activity, seeking to strike a balance between prudent financial management and the acquisition of new signings that could provide the necessary boost to propel the team forward. This approach allowed them to invest wisely in players who complemented the existing squad and brought fresh talent to the team while adhering to financial restrictions.
Leicester City’s financial decisions during their struggles and relegation battle exemplify the club’s commitment to long-term stability and a compassionate approach towards their players. By navigating the complexities of FFP restrictions and carefully managing their transfer activity, the club demonstrated a dedication to rebuilding and maintaining a competitive squad capable of achieving success once again.
Conclusion
Leicester City’s remarkable journey from champions to relegation serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable and unforgiving nature of football. The club’s path has been strewn with obstacles, setbacks, and unexpected turns, yet their story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit.
The road to recovery for Leicester City may be arduous, requiring immense effort and dedication, but their history and past achievements instill hope for a brighter future. They possess a foundation built on the remarkable triumph that saw them lift the Premier League trophy against all odds. This foundation, coupled with the enduring spirit within the club, provides the bedrock for their resurgence.
Through the highs and lows, Leicester City has demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity. They have defied expectations and surpassed limitations time and time again. It is this reflective understanding of their journey that fuels the belief that they can reclaim their former greatness. lets hope they can come up from the Championship next season.
Catch you in the next one.