Competition among players at the club is at its peak this season, with only defender Callum Doyle missing from the squad for the upcoming match against Sheffield Wednesday. Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca has made it clear that any player failing to meet the required standards in attitude and behavior will be dropped from the team.
There is a strong competition for places in the starting lineup, as Maresca now has 21 out of 22 first-team outfield players available. This abundance of options is a luxury for the manager, as he hasn’t had such a depth of talent to choose from all season.
Currently, Maresca finds it easy to select his starting 11 because all the players are united and working towards the same goal. However, he warns that players who don’t adhere to his expected standards will not be spared and will be left out of the team.
Maresca emphasizes that dropping players is not just about their performance on the field but also their behavior and attitude in training and on a day-to-day basis. He expects all players to remain focused and committed.
Although he understands the frustration of players who don’t make the starting lineup, Maresca encourages patience and assures them that their time will come. With a long season ahead, he assures all players that they will have their opportunities to play and contribute.
While selecting the starting lineup is relatively straightforward at the moment, Maresca attributes it to the collective mindset of the players. Even if they are not in the starting 11, they understand that what matters most is the success of the team as a whole.
To maintain the high standards and keep players on their toes, Maresca often waits until the day of the game to announce the lineup. This tactic ensures that they stay focused and motivated during every training session.
Most of the time, the players only find out the team selection on the day of the match, although occasionally Maresca may inform them a day in advance. The timing depends on various factors, such as the timing of the game and the coach’s perception of the players’ readiness.
By keeping the players guessing, Maresca aims to maintain their focus and prevent complacency. He believes that this approach contributes to a healthy competitive atmosphere and drives the players to give their best in every session and match.
