Potentially aiming to alleviate the pressure on his team ahead of today’s match at the Swansea.com Stadium, Enzo Maresca, the Leicester City manager, expressed his belief that his side has had an exceptional start to the season, even if they were to lose to Swansea City. Maresca highlighted the Foxes’ resounding success thus far, with 10 victories out of their opening 11 league matches—a remarkable achievement. Despite having secured late winners in some games, Leicester City has consistently demonstrated their worth and already triumphed over another relegated team with a 4-1 away win against Southampton. While they have suffered two losses across all competitions this season, their defeat against Hull City was arguably unfortunate, as they were poised to secure at least a point. Leicester City exhibited vulnerability in transition, which Hull City astutely exploited, though the Foxes missed opportunities to score themselves, particularly with the inclusion of Cesare Casadei and Abdul Fatawu. Their second loss came against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, though Leicester City impressively managed to take the lead at Anfield—a significant accomplishment that they can be proud of even if they are eliminated from the competition. Although their strong start to the season may not come as a surprise given the caliber of their squad—Stephy Mavididi, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and others potentially belonging at a higher level—significant changes were made during the summer transfer window. James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, and Timothy Castagne departed, and the team had to adapt to a new manager in Maresca and his style of play. Naturally, this adjustment required time, but Leicester City’s squad demonstrated remarkable adaptability. Currently, with 30 points out of a possible 33, only conceding six goals in 11 league matches, and averaging more than two goals per game, they are in formidable form and will remain at the top of the division regardless of the outcome of today’s match, as Ipswich Town’s game against Rotherham United was postponed. Even if Leicester were to lose to Swansea, Maresca believes that the team has had an exceptional beginning to the 2023/24 campaign. He stated, “I think even if we lose, it’s a fantastic start. We are focused on tomorrow’s game and what we need to do. Results are the consequence of doing the right things. Sometimes, despite doing everything right, you don’t win. Our focus is solely on tomorrow’s game.” Although Swansea may have encountered a rough start to the season, their recent four-game winning streak is noteworthy. Showing commendable resilience in the face of adversity, the Swans possess the character necessary to potentially secure a draw or even a victory in this match. Additionally, playing on their home turf gives Swansea an advantage, although Leicester City has been exceptional away from home this season. While anything can happen in this league, it is difficult to discount a Swansea win; however, considering recent results, Leicester City remains the favorites. The away team possesses the required quality to secure another three points in their journey back to the Midlands.
Enzo Maresca makes assertive Leicester City claim ahead of Swansea clash
