With a couple of weeks break now I thought it might be interesting to see what everyone thinks has happened to our team. Without wishing to get carried away, I think we can all agree that it looks very much better. Is it all down to the coach, players happy with the system,or higher levels of fitness? I have some ideas, but will see what you think before I add to them.
Yes, who can remember the last time we named the same starting eleven for four matches in a row. We definitely look fitter than past few seasons. Realistically in the last couple of games we have had our fair share of luck and have not been punished for our mistakes as we have in the past but take nothing away from the commitment and team togetherness we are showing, so refreshing.
Just seen this stat.. "In 2014/2015, Leicester finished 14th in the Premier League, with 41 points and a record of 11-8-19. The following year they won the league. Last year, Watford finished 14th with 41 points and a record of 11-8-19..." We can all dream...
Tactics are spot on so far this season and the players have bought into it. Last season Grazia seemed not to have these variations in his locker and made poor and untimely substitutions. This year he has been good with system and personel changes. The fitness of the squad and the depth is also helping. The whole teams energy output appears to be about 25% up on matches from last year and pass options are always available this season.
You say that but 3 of them are going to be very big for us within 2 years - Wilmot will be Stones-like, Quina will be our creative mid and Massina will take over from Holobas eventualy and not forgetting Dalburg in goal. The future is bright yellow! We may even have 3 England internationals by the time the Euro's come along.
Yeah you're right but in the past few seasons it appears like it could have upset the balance at times. This seems to be far smoother. God it's good at the minute!
It would appear that there has been something of a head to head between the players and the coaching staff...probably two: one at the end of last season and one pre-season. What is for sure is that the players and coaching staff have "bought into" each other. Gracia has had the summer to analyse last season's shortcomings and strengths and tweak his tactics accordingly. It's the same team as last season except for Foster/Gomes and Sema/Richarlison... oh, and Cholebas! Of course, this could be a load of old codswallop, but the turnaround is remarkable thus far. See how we go when we do lose a couple.
Gracia gives a lot of credit to Deeney He is fitter, leaner and faster than last year but still able to bully modern style defenders Having Gray alongside him to make the runs means he is not running around aimlessly and burning himself out, also the attention they are getting leaves extra space for our creative players Deeney is still our best defender at set pieces
We ticked another box on Sunday - winning from behind. first time we have been behind in season so far. But also, we have definitely improved, spurs have stood still. We drew last year remember. This squad looks like it is better than the sum of its parts. W seem to have cover for every position - except perhaps Pereyra, although if he gets injured than Hughes can play on left and Femenia on the right.
we are a team, the players are happy, the manager is getting his message across, he has managed to galvanise the players, they are playing 4-4-2 which suits them. The atmosphere is so positive and has been since the Brighton game. We were lucky the Spurs game got moved to be a home game, that helped our run continue. What is telling is that even the substitutes and the rest of the squad are excited, and are as much a part of the team as the first 11. Amazing. Long may this continue!
A number of reasons; Continuity during preseason, with the same manager so not bringing new ideas, new ways of training etc. Gracia does seem highly regarded back in Spain, and the players seem to have responded to him. He is coming across as a very good coach but also very well liked Consistency in the team - sure we have a few injuries to a few players but we have now played the same team for 4 games in a row. That builds confidence and an understanding Real competition for places. I think almost every position we have someone who can step in. IMO this has helped Holebas and Janmaat the most. The only area maybe a bit thin is CM but Chalobah is nearing full-fitness and will struggle to get into the team at the moment. I think Success is showing he can step in up front as a front two as well... ... and playing a front 2. It's causing defences a problem, and did Spurs play 3 at the back in anticipation of us playing 2 up top? Player fitness - Deeney is looking as fit as he has for a number of years. Players are still chasing down in the final 10 minutes. Also seems very much a togetherness in the squad - you see the fringe players tweeting each other, having a joke with others and genuinely happy to be part of the squad. It is also obvious we have worked on our set-pieces over the summer. It gets frustrating when we play short corners/free-kicks at time as we often look at a threat when getting the ball into the right areas. It just feels very much a happy squad, with no egos, and some talent thrown in there as well.
....all of the above! Above all... good tight teamwork. defensively very strong, two up front, positive vibes etc
Playing two upfront has helped. All of last season we were pleading with Silva and Gracia to play two up front. And what do you know, it works! Took Gracia a bit longer to figure it out than Flores. Everything it just clicking right now. Centre back pairing working well, Capoue improved, Maxi looks like he is playing with mor freedom and less concerned about injury. Deeney is fitter and more confident, Gray is also feeding off that. Success has also stopped drinking baileys it seems.
More importantly my predictions have improved by about 500% !! This will not last but must add to the feel good factor around the club presently
I hope what jerzeypie has just told me isn't true - if we carry on doing well, once we get to 40 points, we have allegedly been asked by the PL to take our foot off the throttle to make it more exciting among the "big" clubs for overseas audiences. Apparently they didn't ask Leicester to do this as they didn't expect them to win it, but they were still trying to find ways to deduct points from them, even as they were being awarded the trophy.
