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🎧 Foxes' shopping listpublished at 07:56 GMT 3 January
07:56 GMT 3 January
The latest When You're Smiling podcast has landed.
Leicester City start 2025 in the Premier League relegation zone but Ruud van Nistelrooy will now have the chance to strengthen his squad during the transfer window.
BBC Radio Leicester's Jack Rafferty is joined by former Foxes defender Matt Heath to discuss what areas need the most attention and who could be realistic targets as profit and sustainability Rules continue to loom over the club's head.
They also speak to fan Paul Sherwood ahead of Saturday's trip to Villa Park.
Gossip: Foxes consider Udinese's Kristensenpublished at 07:36 GMT 3 January
07:36 GMT 3 January
Leicester, Tottenham and Bayer Leverkusen are competing for the signing of Udinese's 22-year-old Danish defender Thomas Kristensen. (Football Insider), external
Meanwhile, Leicester are among several clubs considering a move for Manchester United's English left-back Harry Amass, 17. (Mail, external)
Van Nistelrooy on team news, transfer window and Aston Villapublished at 12:23 GMT 2 January
12:23 GMT 2 January
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Aston Villa (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Jordan Ayew will be available following suspension and Van Nistelrooy is hopeful centre-back Wout Faes will return as he is set to re-join group training from today.
Kasey McAteer "is doing better" and although Saturday's game "comes too soon," featuring in the FA Cup game against QPR is realistic.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mads Hermansen "has been assessed over the last week" but remains "at least a few weeks away" from returning.
On whether Van Nistelrooy has backing from the club in the January transfer window: "When I came in, we assessed the current squad. I wanted to see how it was working and then look ahead to the window. We were aligned right from the start and clear on looking at certain options to strengthen the team. The team needs help and improvement."
He would not disclose which areas he is targeting but did concede "injuries play a part" in decision making.
Loan players Odsonne Edouard and Facundo Buonanotte are expected to remain at Leicester and not be recalled by their parent clubs.
On using his contacts to bring in players, including from Manchester United: "Yeah, of course I am looking at my network having played in a couple of countries at different clubs. We are looking at all possibilities to help this team reach their targets. We are looking everywhere."
Reflecting on the defeat by Manchester City: "Good performances will help to get results, but we have to make sure we get those points. We need to maintain this level of performance and look at the details in the final third to ensure that we score more."
On opponents Aston Villa and manager Unai Emery: "He is doing an excellent job. There is quality there and they are really building into a big stable club. They will still have a top team [regardless of their injury list], so it is for us to be prepared to face them."
'Keep clean sheets' and 'January signings will be crucial'published at 12:49 GMT 1 January
12:49 GMT 1 January
Image source, Getty Images
We asked you to tell us what Leicester City's New Year's resolution should be.
Here are some of your replies:
Tom: We need a new manager who knows about the Premier League, Ruud van Nistelrooy is lost!
Kiran: Just to survive.
Mike: We need to survive and, with the way that Leicester are playing under our new manager, I believe we will do that. Getting our existing players to play well together is the biggest priority, the points will come. Unfortunately, we do have injuries so cover in a few positions is needed. Hopefully, the transfer window will mean that our manager gets the players that he wants, that will fit in with his vision, rather than a few random makeshift players.
Andrew: To keep clean sheets. We won't win games if we keep conceding first, which we seem to do on a regular basis.
Lily: Bring back Kasper Schmeichel.
Jay: January signings will be crucial for survival. A new centre-back, central midfielder and striker would be very nice. Hopefully Ruud can keep us up.
Sam: Signing one player isn't going to solve all our problems but one resolution should be to bring in another right-back. Justin has been disappointing this year defensively and, when the manager is taking him off at 70 minutes when 1-0 behind, it suggests Van Nistelrooy thinks so too.
Jenson: To get at least one new centre-back and a new striker who can put a ball in the back of the net.
Michael: With the exception of Mads Hermansen, clear the lot out. Absolute rubbish the lot of them. One of the worst teams with no drive, no idea and no plan. I'm afraid, although a gem, Vardy is past his best. He is just running from one defender to another, no wonder he can't play a string of games together because he wears himself out.
James: Get Jon Rudkin out of our club and all of our worries will be gone!
2024 breakdown: Who takes the plaudits?published at 16:42 GMT 31 December 2024
16:42 GMT 31 December 2024
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
It has been another entertaining year in the Premier League, so with 2025 just a matter of hours away let's take a look at the clubs that have topped the charts.
Manchester City became history makers in 2024 as they sealed their fourth successive Premier League title in May and their sixth in seven seasons.
Pep Guardiola's possession based football continued to dominate as they maintained the ball for an average of 64.5% per game and had a 90.6% passing accuracy over the year.
Brighton were the closest to matching their accuracy at 87.5% and Ange Postecoglou's similar high-risk football saw Tottenham retain 61.3% possession.
Under Jurgen Klopp and new head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool scored 92 goals in 2024 which is three more than Arsenal and nine greater than City.
The Reds registered 741 shots in total, which is a stark contrast to Leicester City who recorded the least with 170. Albeit that is only since their promotion back to the top-flight in the summer.
Of those shots, 286 of Liverpool's were on target. But it is Thomas Frank's Brentford that have proven to be the most clinical.
The Bees had a conversion rare of 15.3% after scoring 62 goals in the Premier League. Yoane Wissa found the back of the net 17 times, while Bryan Mbuemo registered 12 goals.
From goal scoring to conceding - West Ham turned over the most goals with 79.
They should look to North London for tips on how to tighten up their defence as Arsenal proved to be the most solid across all aspects of their back line.
The Gunners conceded just 25 goals across the course of the year and kept an impressive 18 clean sheets.
Sean Dyche's Everton, renowned for being stubborn to break down, kept 14 clean sheets despite only winning eight of their 36 games.
Stick with 'out-of-form' Justin or 'give Choudhury a go'?published at 15:30 GMT 30 December 2024
15:30 GMT 30 December 2024
Image source, Getty Images
Leicester City have conceded 42 goals in the Premier League so far this season, a joint league high alongside Wolves, and let in two more in their defeat by Manchester City.
On the latest episode of BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast, former Foxes winger Matt Piper discusses Ruud van Nistelrooy's full-back options.
"I do like Victor Kristiansen. He is energetic, he has got all the passion and endeavour, he gets up and down the pitch - but he just lacks quality in certain situations, especially against top wingers.
"James Justin has obviously proven that he has the level to be really good at Premier League level previously, but he is just in a really low moment. We saw some heavy touches and his decision-making is a little off.
"I'm pretty positive that the only reason why he remains in this team is because there is no other real option [at right-back]. I would give Hamza Choudhury a go and take a chance on him.
"I think a player in form, that can deputise well at that position, will give the whole team much more confidence.
"Justin is just prone to mistakes at the minute. That's why I thought that Choudhury would have started at Anfield, and why I thought he would start against Manchester City.
"We didn't lose the game because of James Justin - I will make that clear - but if Ruud has a little bit of money to spend in January, I think looking at both full-back areas would be a wise decision."
Jon: Judging by the stats, Leicester grew into the game and perhaps were unlucky not to get something out of the it. Unfortunately, it's points that count at the moment and not performances. Money has got to be made available to Ruud van Nistelrooy in the January transfer window. I think we need more defensive options. Also it is an opportunity to try and offload those players who are deemed surplus to requirements. An altogether much better showing by Leicester with more fight and a sense of purpose.
Ian: Played well but we have to convert chances. If not, we are going down. The Wolves result was the disaster. It's going to be difficult to get any sort of result until the Crystal Palace game in the middle of January.
Dave: All round a better performance as our team is playing for a manager they obviously believe in. It's a step in the right direction and loads of elements need to be consistent in this style of playing. Ruud has maybe finished his apprenticeship!
Ryan: Better performance. Matched Man City through the game and were better at times during the match. You can see the progress that Ruud is implementing into the team. Time to start believing and getting behind the team.
Man City fans
Alan: City's second goal was right out of the old playbook. Superb. It was as if Superman had got rid of the Kryptonite! It will take a few more nervy wins to get the old flow back but encouraging.
Wilko: Similar display and performance to numerous recent City games but this one they won. Major overhaul still needed and several stalwarts still need to leave in the summer.
Usama: We were very fortunate at times but a win is a win, which was badly needed. We just need to concentrate on ourselves and forget things like top four etc. Now more than ever we just need to take it one game at a time, build momentum and confidence and see where that takes us. Nothing else matters at this point.
Neil: Another nervous performance but commitment all round the pitch. So pleased for Savinho. His last two performances have been encouraging. We fight till the end.
🎧Leicester 0-2 Man City: Post-match reactionpublished at 20:31 GMT 29 December 2024
20:31 GMT 29 December 2024
There is a new episode of the When You're Smiling podcast available to download and listen to on BBC Sounds.
Get all the post-match analysis with Matt Piper after Leicester suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City, plus hear reaction from Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
'We have to translate performances into results' - Van Nistelrooypublished at 17:05 GMT 29 December 2024
17:05 GMT 29 December 2024
Image source, Getty Images
Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, speaking to BBC Match of the Day on judging the performance not result: "I think I have to. I wouldn't do the players credit if I didn't. We're professional we know it's about results but we have to look through that because of the performance today.
"It's continuing things and how we are pressing, building up and doing our things and roles of the individuals are clear and they are developing. The important thing is looking at it that way. We have to be judged on results and translate performances into results."
Positive signs?: "Not just this game. The Wolves game at home was a good performance if you take out individual mistakes. The first goal today is not a chance and an individual incident gives them the goal. That's what is costing us at the moment, without putting the blame on someone, but that is something we have to look at.
"Working together with a plan every day in a certain way when things are clear and things are getting clearer, you have the most chance to get the points and that's what we are aiming to do."
Sutton's predictions: Leicester v Man Citypublished at 11:31 GMT 29 December 2024
11:31 GMT 29 December 2024
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
This week, he takes on musician Emma-Jean Thackray, who is a Leeds fan.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
Manchester City are on a terrible run of results but, as woeful as their recent performances have been, they are still not as bad as Leicester.
The Foxes have conceded at least three goals in their past three matches and maybe they are the kind of opposition that Pep Guardiola's side need to face to start firing again.
Leicester did show some spirit in their defeat by Liverpool last time out, but I said before that game that I think Ruud van Nistelrooy has a huge job on his hands to try to keep them up, and my opinion about that has not changed.
This season has always just been about staying up for Leicester but I still think there has to be some realism from the Foxes fans when it comes to their expectations.
It seems like they felt they would be comfortable after getting promotion but that is never the case - whoever you are, you have got to graft and you have got to earn your place in the Premier League.
Maybe their supporters are starting to realise that now?
I don't think Manchester City will run away with this but the only thing I am unsure about is whether to give Leicester a goal. If Jamie Vardy is available, then I think they will score - but they will still lose regardless.
Emma-Jean's prediction: 1-3
I want to preface my predictions by saying I am in a Fantasy Premier League with a bunch of other musicians in London. I have come bottom more than once so I am not hopeful I am going to do any better here - I have only just decided to drop Erling Haaland. I was clinging on for so long and I finally had to say, 'it's time for you to go, mate'.
In terms of this game, it feels like both teams' form has been quite similar. I don't see Leicester scoring more than one, and maybe this is the game where Manchester City get their act together.
'Every second of every game is big for us' - Van Nistelrooypublished at 14:49 GMT 27 December 2024
14:49 GMT 27 December 2024
Image source, PA Media
After defeat by leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Boxing Day, struggling Leicester City entertain champions Manchester City this weekend.
Pep Guardiola's side are in miserable form with only one win from 14 matches in all competitions but Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is well aware of the threat they still possess.
"I know the quality of that squad, that team, that manager," Van Nistelrooy said. "I'm focusing on that. "We have to prepare for a great performance on our side. Being where we are, we need to be spot on in all the parts of football to get a result."
A run of three straight defeats, coupled with two successive wins for Wolves, have dropped Leicester into the relegation zone.
"All the 20 games we will play are massive," added Van Nistelrooy. "We know that a certain amount of points are necessary to stay in [the Premier League] and every second of every game is big for us. That's the Premier League and that is for every team.
"There is constant pressure to perform and get results."
Graham: I am extremely proud of what our boys have achieved this year, it is far from over but Arne Slot has built on Jurgen Klopp's legacy. Well done boys - keep up the good work.
Shay: The amount of poor first-half performances, stretching back to last season under Klopp, is worrying. We do play with more control but ultimately we ran out of comebacks last season and fell off. I fear the same thing will happen again unless we start much better. It's something Slot noticed as well, so I am unclear why it's happening!
Ian: Leicester were stubborn opponents but Liverpool persevered with some excellent football and came out deserved winners. I know I keep mentioning it but again Darwin Nunez was disappointing - we need to invest in a proper number nine.
Yusuf: This Liverpool side has matured greatly over the past months. Even when going behind, they knew how to manage the game and then came flying out of the blocks and scored three well-worked goals. The team's core has stayed the same since the start of last season and now it feels like it can only be ourselves that stop us winning our games. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah with two outstanding goals.
Leicester fans
Jane: Liked the desire for large parts but I think we are bang in trouble with the lack of quality in the squad. Positives to take but I think Ruud van Nistelrooy will be fighting a losing battle.
Richie: We were always expecting to lose. How we lost matters, and the desire to fight has been absent for the past few managers. So all in all… not a bad performance!
James: This was a much-improved defensive display that in the end was eventually breached by an impressive Liverpool, who took their time to get going. However, other than Jordan Ayew's finish on the turn, Leicester barely laid a glove on Liverpool with Patson Daka and Stephy Mavididi wasteful with their few opportunities. One goal in their past three showcases a bluntness to their play that will need to be put right, as well as having defensive frailties fixed. Got one heck of a job on your hands Ruud.
Richard: Too many players looked light. Men against boys at times. Daka shows why he's not Premier League standard - he gets knocked off the ball too easily. Leicester need a total overhaul. Keep the faith...keep our fingers crossed!
