Leicester City have been dominant in the second tier of English football, securing an impressive 30 points out of a possible 33 since their relegation from the Premier League. Their squad’s depth has been evident, with only one defeat against Hull City in September. Since then, they have emerged victorious in every match, showcasing their superiority.
The upcoming weekend sees the Foxes in action as they travel to South Wales to face a formidable Swansea City side. Let’s delve into the latest news emerging from the King Power Stadium ahead of this encounter.
Enzo Maresca has been at the helm of Leicester for a few months now, and his appointment initially left many unsure of what to expect. His managerial career, limited to controlling first-team affairs at Parma, had not garnered significant recognition. However, having worked under the esteemed Pep Guardiola for several years, Maresca’s coaching prowess has become evident as he thrives at Leicester. Although their current squad is worthy of top-flight football, they find themselves battling it out in the Championship.
In hindsight, Maresca revealed the content of his initial message to his new squad in pre-season, reiterating the significance of embracing mistakes. “I remember it vividly because I stressed the importance of doing what we need to do and not fretting over errors,” Maresca divulged. He emphasized that mistakes are an inevitable part of the journey and expects them to occur in future fixtures. However, he believes in the team’s ability to persevere and maintain their belief.
Surprisingly, winger Kasey McAteer has been one of Leicester’s standout performers this season. Despite spending part of the previous season on loan at AFC Wimbledon in League Two, the youngster has played a crucial role in City’s successful start to the campaign, boasting four goals in seven Championship appearances before sustaining a hamstring injury. While still recovering, McAteer may make a significant decision regarding his international future. According to Dan McDonnell of The Irish Independent, he is close to committing to the Republic of Ireland, providing him with a genuine opportunity to shine on the international stage, given he is yet to be capped by England at any youth level.
Despite receiving interest from other clubs during the summer transfer window, Kelechi Iheanacho remains a Leicester player and has already netted four Championship goals this season. However, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2024, his future at the club is uncertain. Recent reports from Italy suggest that Inter Milan is keen to secure a free transfer for the Nigerian striker and may make a move from January 2024 onwards if Iheanacho does not sign a new contract. It could potentially be an intriguing career move for the former Manchester City man.
