Leicester City

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  1. Leicester sack Cooper: Have your say on the decisionpublished at 16:03 24 November 2024

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    So, after just five months and 12 Premier League matches in charge, Leicester City have sacked manager Steve Cooper with the club in 16th.

    What do you make of the decision Foxes fans? Did Cooper have enough time? Or was the writing on the wall?

    Let us know here., external

  2. 🎧Post Match: Leicester 1-2 Chelseapublished at 11:03 24 November 2024

    When You're Smiling podcast graphic

    A new episode of BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast is now available to download and listen to on BBC Sounds.

    Hear all the post-match analysis from Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea with former Foxes winger Matt Piper, plus manager Steve Cooper gives his thoughts.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  3. 'We've had some terrible luck with this referee'published at 15:04 23 November 2024

    Referee Andy Madley shows a yellow card to Leicester City Manager Steve CooperImage source, Getty Images

    Leicester boss Steve Cooper, speaking to TNT Sports: "We’ve had some terrible luck with this referee. That's continued today. There’s also the game to talk about. Tough first half in terms of Chelsea territory and dominance with the ball. We gave away a poor goal. It should have been 0-0. We had two good chances ourselves in the first half.

    "Defensively we were generally OK. We need to be showing good courage and belief. If we do that we can create chances and be a threat. We’ll always be disappointed with the goals we conceded.

    "The big moment is the first penalty [not given], it’s clear what happened there. The second one was offside [before VAR] and you see how onside he was. That was the story of the officials’ game. You can [speak to them] after 30 minutes. I’m not sure if I will or won’t."

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  4. Sutton's predictions: Leicester v Chelseapublished at 19:02 22 November 2024

    Chris Sutton and Peter Hooton

    Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

    For week 12 he takes on The Farm singer and Liverpool fan Peter Hooton.

    The Farm's new single, Forever & Ever, is out now and their new album, Let The Music (Take Control), is released in May 2025.

    Sutton's prediction: 1-3

    Enzo Maresca is back at Leicester for the first time since he left to take charge of Chelsea in the summer, and I actually think his return will be quite straightforward for him and his side.

    Leicester will be pretty happy with the way they have started the season, given they had to replace Maresca, but I still think Steve Cooper faces a hard job to keep them up.

    The only thing that makes me question whether Chelsea will win is because you never know quite where teams are after the international break, and also how many of their injured players will still be out.

    Cole Palmer was one of them, but I am willing to bet he will start this game. If he is fit, they will have a little bit too much for Leicester.

    Hooton’s prediction: 1-2

    Chelsea looked like a basket case in the summer but they impressed me at Anfield earlier this month - they had a gameplan and played really well. I texted the Chelsea fans I know, saying 'crisis over'. Moises Caicedo is looking good and Nicolas Jackson has started scoring but it is Cole Palmer who makes them tick. He is a joy to watch, like a park footballer really - he appears lazy and nonchalant, but he is total class.

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  5. What reception will Maresca receive on return to 'fantastic' Leicester?published at 11:42 22 November 2024

    Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca during his pre-Leicester news conferenceImage source, Getty Images

    The reception given by Leicester fans to Enzo Maresca at the King Power Stadium on Saturday lunchtime will be of particular interest given their recent shared history.

    Maresca won the Championship with the Foxes last season with an impressive 97 points but chose to accept an offer to take charge of this weekend's opponents Chelsea rather than lead Leicester's return to the Premier League.

    Nevertheless, the Italian spoke in glowing terms about his title-winning year in the East Midlands in his pre-match news conference.

    "I'm excited and thankful, it was a fantastic season," he said. "The owner and his family are fantastic people. They care for players, staff, all of the people that work in the club. You can see that."

    While Maresca's record at Leicester was impressive, some supporters struggled slightly with his patient brand of football at times. However, Pep Guardiola's former assistant was keen to praise the bond created within the club.

    "It was a fantastic season because I met good people," he said. "There was a fantastic connection between the players and staff, and that is something you have to create to be successful.

    "I'm still in contact with them - it was fantastic."

  6. Goals not a problem but woes in defence aboundpublished at 08:59 22 November 2024

    Arnav Bhatia
    Fan writer

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    Leicester City players defend a cornerImage source, Getty Images

    Goals win games, but securing three points has not regularly been the case for Leicester City since their return to the Premier League this season.

    Promoted teams usually struggle to score, but the Foxes managed to do so in each of their first 10 league games. The streak ended against Manchester United, and while the goalscoring record was impressive, Leicester have just two wins to show for it.

    That is because defensive struggles have nullified their proficiency at the other end. Leicester have conceded 21 times – fourth highest in the league – and a figure that could have been higher if not for Mads Hermansen’s heroics in goal. Only two teams have conceded a higher tally for expected goals against (xGA) than Leicester’s 20.

    Individual mistakes have plagued Leicester’s game, and it’s not just the backline at fault. The midfield pivot has been sloppy with their marking, losing their men several times.

    While the players must take responsibility, Steve Cooper has failed to effectively implement his tactics on the pitch. They have allowed 194 opposition shots (second highest in the league), 114 passes into the penalty area (third highest), and 367 touches in the penalty area (third highest).

    Additionally, the manager has yet to address Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities in wide areas. He brought Ricardo Pereira into the line-up to shore up the backline, but the full-back’s injury leaves the manager with his original pairing of James Justin and Victor Kristiansen.

    Leicester would consider avoiding relegation a success this season and are currently on course to do so, sitting 15th in the league. However, it appears that the team could be doing better.

    Cooper has failed to bring out the best of this talented young Foxes squad, and more lacklustre defeats could signal the end of a short managerial stint.

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  7. 🎧 Time to change formation?published at 07:59 22 November 2024

    When You're Smiling podcast graphic

    The latest episode of the When You're Smiling podcast has landed.

    BBC Radio Leicester's Owynn Palmer-Atkin is joined by former Leicester goalkeeping coach Mike Stowell and Foxes fan Paul Sherwood to discuss Steve Cooper's formation, Leicester's injury problems and the issues over their shirt sponsor.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  8. Leicester ease fears after sponsor bankruptcy reportspublished at 16:28 21 November 2024

    Nick Mashiter
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    A shot of an empty King Power Stadium in Leicester. The club have been given assurances about BC.Game's financial commitments. Image source, Getty Images

    Leicester have eased fears over their deal with shirt sponsors BC.Game after the online betting site was reportedly declared bankrupt.

    The Foxes have been assured the issue will not impact their contract with their main sponsor.

    BC.Game signed a two-year deal with the Foxes in the summer but have reportedly been declared bankrupt by a court in the Caribbean nation of Curacao, where they are registered.

    A Leicester spokesman said: “We have been and continue to be in regular discussions with BC.Game with regard to an active legal case in Curacao.

    "BC.Game have provided the club with the strongest assurances that they are actively appealing this case, and that the process which has been initiated in Curacao is administrative in nature and has not arisen due to any concerns with their financial standing.

    ”BC.Game have further assured us that they have no issues with liquidity and that they remain fully committed to meeting their ongoing contractual and financial obligations, including to the club, and that this case will not impact on BC.Game’s continuing international operations."

  9. Should the Foxes recall Cannon or try to sign another striker?published at 15:55 21 November 2024

    Millie Sian
    BBC Sport journalist

    Thomas Cannon of Stoke City celebrates after scoring the team's first goal from the penalty spot during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City FC and Derby County FC at Bet365 Stadium on November 02, 2024Image source, Getty Images

    After an injury-riddled debut season, making just 13 appearances in Enzo Maresca's side during the Championship title-winning campaign, Leicester City looked set to cut their losses on Tom Cannon this summer.

    Initially, when Leicester fought off fierce competition for the Everton academy graduate's permanent signature, fans and pundits thought the Foxes were beginning their succession planning for the eventual departure of Jamie Vardy.

    After all, Vardy and Cannon have plenty of similarities. They are both pacey, enjoy playing off the shoulder of the last defender and can boast healthy shot conversion rates.

    However, given how 2023-24 went, the Foxes sought to offload Cannon, only to fail in their hunt for a permanent club for the 21-year-old striker. Instead, they agreed a season-long loan with Championship side Stoke City - and the Potters are more than enjoying his services.

    Cannon has become a permanent fixture in Narcis Pelach's side and made himself a fan favourite. He has already scored seven goals in all competitions this season, level with Stoke's top scorer for the whole of last term.

    He does have a recall clause written into his loan contract and some Foxes fans are calling for an early return in the January transfer window to paper over the cracks appearing in Leicester's attack.

    It had seemed the November international break was well timed for Leicester, with injured strikers Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka both returning to training during the two-week break.

    However, the Foxes picked up two more absentees in attack, with Abdul Fatawu and Jordan Ayew both returning from international duty early with injuries, leaving Steve Cooper with one fully fit striker - Odsonne Edouard.

    The Crystal Palace striker's loan is yet to bear fruit, with no Premier League start and having been absent from the matchday squad altogether in three of the nine league games since completing his move.

    Goals win games and it will be impossible for Steve Cooper to rely mostly on the services of 37-year-old Vardy for the entirety of this season.

    However, the question is whether Cannon is Premier League-ready yet, having only made three appearances in the competition during his time at Everton, and only recently getting regular first-team starts for the first time in his career.

    He is definitely developing, but one gets the feeling Leicester should be looking to bring in an experienced and reliable goalscorer to make their fight for Premier League survival that little bit easier.

  10. Cannon brings 'genuine goalscoring threat' to Stoke Citypublished at 15:54 21 November 2024

    Matt Sandoz
    BBC Radio Stoke sports editor

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    Stoke City's Thomas Cannon during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City FC and Millwall FC at Bet365 Stadium on November 9, 2024Image source, Getty Images

    For the first time in a long time, it seems Tom Cannon is bringing a genuine goalscoring threat to Bet365 Stadium, but it is now up to Stoke City to get the best out of him.

    Head coach Narcis Pelach has previously said that having the Republic of Ireland international on the pitch gives his team the confidence that they can score goals, and Cannon's return of seven goals in 12 starts backs that argument up.

    In fact, the Potters have gone on to win every single Championship game that Cannon has scored in.

    Stoke fans would now like to see more goals from open play from the 21-year-old, as four of his seven goals have come from converted penalties.

    Since relegation from the Premier League in 2018, Stoke City have never finished in the top half of the Championship. However, the feeling is that if Pelach can get the best out of Cannon this season, that target is certainly achievable.

  11. Leicester Q&A: Which young players are coming through?published at 15:45 21 November 2024

    Owynn Palmer-Atkin
    BBC Radio Leicester reporter

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    Will Alves of Leicester City during the Bristol Street Motors Trophy match between Northampton Town and Leicester City U21 at Sixfields on November 5, 2024Image source, Getty Images

    BBC Radio Leicester's Owynn Palmer-Atkin has been answering your questions about Leicester City.

    Andrew asked: With our injuries mounting up, what options do we have within the senior squad, under-21s, academy and players on loan?

    Owynn answered: On the whole, I think the players who are currently out on loan will be left to continue their development.

    Ben Nelson, one of the brightest sparks from the academy, has also revealed recently his own injury problems during the international break.

    However, players from the under-21s could still be an option for Steve Cooper.

    Leicester fans are desperate to see Will Alves get more minutes in the first team. I think we saw from his cameo away at Manchester United that he is capable at this level, and he has the desire to go onto the big stages and express himself.

    Michael Golding is another young player that we haven't seen much of this season, but is clearly a player for the future.

    Another player that both Leicester City and Steve Cooper admire is Jeremy Monga. He is only 15 years old, but he is currently playing with the under-21s and travelled with the first team to face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

    Everyone that watches Monga play talks about his ability on the ball, his pace and the way he stretches the pitch, so he is one to watch out for.

  12. Leicester Q&A: What next for loan players Buonanotte and Edouard?published at 14:13 21 November 2024

    Owynn Palmer-Atkin
    BBC Radio Leicester reporter

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    Leicester City loan players Facundo Buonanotte and Odsonne EdouardImage source, Getty Images

    Plenty of you have written in to ask our BBC Radio Leicester expert Owynn Palmer-Atkin about the players currently on loan at King Power Stadium.

    Jacob asked: How do you feel about Facundo Buonanotte? Do you think we should sign him permanently or will it just be too much money?

    Owynn answered: In my view, you can see within a few minutes of watching him play that he could go right to the top.

    It is difficult to believe that he is only 19 years old. He really commands his area of the pitch and is constantly demanding more from himself and his team-mates, which is crucial for any side.

    I think Leicester City would love to sign him on a permanent deal but the club probably accepts that the finances may well be out of their budget. Brighton clearly have big plans for him, securing him down to a new long-term deal before his arrival at King Power Stadium on loan.

    My advice would be: don't fall in love with this loan player! But appreciate what he offers to this Leicester City side, because he could prove to be a massive figure if the Foxes are to avoid the drop this season.

    Mog asked: Have you got any idea of whether we can send Odsonne Edouard back to Crystal Palace in January? He is such a waste of a spot in the squad and a waste of a loan spot. Steve Cooper seemingly liked Patson Daka in pre-season, so surely Edouard will get absolutely no game time when Daka returns?

    Owynn answered: Leicester could possibly cancel the loan but, depending on the small print, they may have to pay a fee to do so.

    Admittedly, this move has not worked out. It is a shame because Edouard is a player that Leicester have had an eye on for some time, dating back to his stint at Celtic under Brendan Rodgers.

    Daka looks like he could be in the matchday squad for Saturday's game against Chelsea, after returning from the long-term ankle injury he sustained at Lens in pre-season.

    He got a lot of minutes in pre-season as well, and his pressing ability and willingness to work the channels offers a different kind of forward line for Steve Cooper.

    I would expect that we will see his minutes grow towards Christmas.

    Listen to every Foxes match, home and away, on BBC Radio Leicester.

  13. Leicester Q&A: How does Cooper get 'the sceptics' on board?published at 12:07 21 November 2024

    Owynn Palmer-Atkin
    BBC Radio Leicester reporter

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    Leicester City Manager Steve Cooper during the Leicester City Training session at Seagrave Training Complex on November 13, 2024Image source, Getty Images

    On Thursday, BBC Radio Leicester's Owynn Palmer-Atkin has been answering your questions about Leicester City.

    Britney asked: What is a small win that Steve Cooper could make to get the sceptics back on board with his decisions?

    Owynn answered: My initial thought was to play Ricardo Pereira as an inverted midfielder and field two wingers,- similar to last season under Enzo Maresca.

    However, with Ricardo picking up another injury and news to come on Thursday as to how long both Abdul Fatawu and Jordan Ayew are out for, that could be difficult.

    Perhaps now though, during this international break, it might have been time for Cooper to look at changing formation.

    At Southampton, playing three at the back worked and we saw some real attacking play that got fans out of their seats in the second half.

    Could now be the time to switch? Would that help fix the leaky defence? How does the rest of the formation line up? Do they go with two strikers or two number 10s?

    These are all questions that Steve Cooper and his staff are asking, I'm sure.

    I have mentioned Will Alves before as well, with Foxes fans clamouring to see him play more. As an attacking threat off the bench, I think he is worth a shot and he can definitely add something different.

    See how Leicester get on in their first game back after the international break and listen to every Foxes match, home and away, on BBC Radio Leicester.

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  14. Cooper on 'season-ending injury' for Fatawu, Maresca and Chelseapublished at 11:17 21 November 2024

    Henry Brownsey
    BBC Sport journalist

    Leicester City boss Steve Cooper has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Chelsea (kick-off 12:30 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • Abdul Fatawu was injured on international duty with Ghana and Cooper said it is "not good - a serious ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] injury that's going to rule him out for the rest of the season. A real blow."

    • He said the 20-year-old needs to be supported so his rehab and return is "as smooth as possible" to come back "as a stronger player and person."

    • Cooper believes Ricardo Pereira "will be a good ally in the medical room" after the Portuguese defender suffered a similar injury previously.

    • Forward Jordan Ayew also came back injured from international duty but Cooper said "it's not a serious injury and the hope is he may be available for the weekend".

    • In more positive news, Patson Daka is available for Saturday's game and Jamie Vardy has been having modified training. Cooper will judge where he is at before the game.

    • Finally on team news, Bobby De Cordova-Reid is making progress in recovering from a cut sustained against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup: " [He] has been back on the training pitch. The hope is that he reports today and the cut doesn't open again."

    • Cooper believes the injuries mean it's "a real opportunity to bring us closer together and show who we really are."

    • On Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who led the Foxes to promotion last season: "Enzo did a brilliant job getting the club back to the Premier League. He's gone on and had a more than strong start at Chelsea. We know we're coming up against a talented team with a really good coach. It's a game which is a real test but one we need to embrace and be ready for."

    • Cooper was passionate about Leicester's position in the Premier League: "I knew how hard this challenge was going to be on and off the pitch this year. It has proven to be exactly that. We're fully aware of the environment we're in."

    • He was therefore quite reflective on the season so far: "When you look back, it's been a bit of everything. There's been some decent results and then the opposite of that. We always want more. The league position is OK and if it stayed like this, a lot of people would be satisfied, but I want more."

    Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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