Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has commended Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca for instilling a clear style of play and effective coaching, as reported by Leicestershire Live.
Heading into this season, it seemed likely that the Foxes would figure prominently at the top of the Championship, and they have indeed performed admirably thus far. Their only defeats came against Hull City and Leeds United in the league, along with a loss to former Champions League winners Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, during which Maresca’s side even took the lead at Anfield.
There were instances, such as against Hull, where they arguably warranted a point or more, a situation in which substitutes Cesare Casadei and Abdul Fatawu made a substantial impact. Fatawu was unlucky to strike the woodwork against both Hull and Leeds.
Despite Leeds narrowing the gap with a recent victory at the King Power Stadium, some Leicester supporters might fear a dip in form, allowing Daniel Farke’s team to re-enter the automatic promotion conversation. Nevertheless, the Foxes have displayed remarkable consistency throughout the campaign.
Although expectations placed Leicester near the division’s summit, Carrick has been impressed with Maresca’s performance at the helm of the King Power outfit thus far. Carrick noted, “It seems like teams coming down should bounce straight back up if they keep a good part of the squad together, but it’s not always as easy as that. I think (Maresca) has done very well. You can clearly see how they want to play and they’re coached very well, so there’s a lot of work that’s gone on. It’s credit to him for that.”
Carrick’s assessment is valid, especially given the significant summer changes. New signings needed time to adapt, while key players such as Harvey Barnes, Timothy Castagne, and James Maddison departed. The adjustment to Maresca’s style of play, even with a preseason, presented its own challenges. Despite these obstacles, the Foxes’ exceptional consistency this season warrants the high praise from Carrick.
