Leicester City are winless in six league games since returning to the Premier League after a year’s absence and pressure is mounting on Steve Cooper.
The Foxes sit 17th in the league standings, level on points and goal difference with 18th-place Crystal Palace. Leicester are only above the Eagles because they scored more goals, making the Foxes precariously close to the relegation zone.
While disappointing, this is not a surprise. Leicester were expected to be scrapping in a relegation battle this season with the primary objective of staying up. However, the manner in which the Foxes have played has been underwhelming. Steve Cooper has been criticised for his team selection and in-game management. His reluctance to start Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu has annoyed many fans, including myself.
Tactically Steve Cooper’s selection decisions make sense
However, given his tactical playing style, Cooper’s selection decisions make sense. While one can debate whether his tactics are good enough, it is clear that Pereira and Fatawu don’t fit this tactic. I do feel that the manner in which Cooper makes Leicester play leaves the team vulnerable at the back for counterattacks, but I do feel the players are to blame, too.
Many of the goals Leicester conceded can be attributed to individual errors. While one can question Cooper why he still starts these players, his decision to keep Justin in the lineup ultimately almost earned the Foxes a point at Arsenal. Additionally, despite significant criticism, Cooper has continued to start Wilfred Ndidi, who has gone on to become one of Leicester’s best players this season.
Leicester’s next match against Bournemouth is considered a do-or-die situation for Cooper. If the Foxes win, he keeps his job but gets sacked if they lose. I personally feel that is a bit harsh. I thought his team selection and substitutions were on point against Arsenal. He bravely decided to start Facundo Buonanotte ahead of Jordan Ayew and didn’t go too defensive with his substitutions. Seeing Bilal El Khannouss come on for Oliver Skipp proves that Cooper is trying to be braver. The manner in which Leicester fought back in the second half was also a positive sign.
Steve Cooper should be given more time
My personal opinion is that Steve Cooper should be given more time. He has managed six league games with the Foxes and has a fair understanding of the team. Leicester’s next four league fixtures are against bottom-half teams, and the Foxes must get at least nine points from these games. I’d rather have a manager who has spent a few months with the team take charge for these fixtures instead of a new face who will need time to adjust.
This is just my personal view. I do understand the fans who want Steve Cooper to be sacked. Leicester waited too long to sack Brendan Rodgers, and fans want to avoid repeating that. Cooper’s football has been bland, and I have criticised his decisions and tactics. However, the players are also to blame, and Cooper has been subjected to some unfair criticism. There was some improvement against Arsenal, and he seems like a nice person who wants to win over the Foxes fans. It’s hard for me not to wish him well, and I genuinely hope he turns things around.
