- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Leicester City haven’t enjoyed the best start to life back in the Premier League following their Championship promotion.
Leicester had a summer of change with Enzo Maresca departing for Chelsea before Steve Cooper was appointed.
It’s become evident that Cooper’s style is a stark contrast to what Maresca had built, so it’s taking time to win the fans over.
The former Nottingham Forest boss is setting his team up in a more pragmatic structure and so far, it’s not really worked out.
Leicester have won one of their opening seven Premier League games and the exclusion of Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Perieria in the starting 11 has left supporters frustrated.
Steve Cooper’s future at Leicester City is far from secure
Leicester City News understands Steve Cooper’s future at Leicester is far from secure.
The club’s hierarchy are aware of the supporters’ frustration, which first began when he was appointed as Maresca’s successor – following a breakdown in talks with Graham Potter.
The 44-year-old is under immense pressure and we are told his position could come under threat if City suffer defeat at Southampton after the international break.
Saints have taken just one point from their opening seven games so it’s imperative The Foxes put in a good display against one of the relegation favourites.
Interestingly, Russell Martin has also been given an ultimatum ahead of the clash as he too could be dismissed should his side lose.
In fact, Cooper’s position is actually starting to become under threat.
Steve Cooper must change the system to keep his job at Leicester City
At the moment, Cooper is persisting with a system that doesn’t accommodate two of his best players in Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu.
He has implemented a variation of a 4-3-3 system which only allows one winger and one attacking full-back.
That’s placed much of the emphasis on Stephy Mavididi to be the main outlet as there’s no threat coming down the right – with Jordan Ayew operating as an inside forward.
Cooper has to revert to a traditional formation with two out-and-out wingers, or else he’ll probably lose his job.