What Leicester City supporters can expect from Graham Potter as Chelsea expert gives honest assessment of former Blues boss

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Leicester City sacked Steve Cooper on Sunday and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is one of the leading candidates to replace him.

Cooper will be remembered as one of the worst managers in Leicester’s history as most supporters think he would have taken them down to the Championship.

The Foxes hierarchy now has the critical task of identifying the man to steady the ship. Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has been linked, as well as West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan.

But ex-Chelsea and Brighton manager Potter is the current favourite to take over at the King Power Stadium.

Here’s what one Chelsea expert had to say about his time at Stamford Bridge, and what Leicester fans can expect from him if he agrees to join.

• READ MORE: How Leicester City could line up under Graham Potter as former Brighton boss eyes return to management

What Leicester City fans can expect from Graham Potter

1. New manager bounce

Everyone knows that ‘new manager bounce’ is a real thing in football. When teams replace their head coach, they often go on an impressive run of form as the club is in good spirits.

One would assume Potter did not have such an impact at Chelsea as he was sacked just seven months after signing the dotted line. James Shearman, writer for The Chelsea Chronicle, explains whether that was the case.

“Potter’s spell at Chelsea was so short-lived that people think it must have all gone wrong. The truth is he had the Blues playing some excellent football – and winning games – immediately after he joined.

“He went unbeaten in his first nine games in charge, winning six, until the 4-1 defeat to his old club (Brighton). The victories included AC Milan, home (3-0) and away (2-0), in the Champions League group stage and Aston Villa (2-0) in the Premier League.

“It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Leicester beat Brentford on Saturday and West Ham on Tuesday if Potter is in the dugout.”

2. Style of play

Leicester’s players – and fans – had an issue with Cooper’s style of play. The Foxes went from playing possession-based football under Enzo Maresca to a more direct approach under the Welshman.

Shearman believes Potter’s style is much more closely aligned with Maresca’s and the players would quickly buy into his methods.

“There are differences between Potter and Maresca but their principles are largely the same. Both managers want their teams to play out from the back and keep the ball as much as possible, which fans and players tend to prefer.

“My only concern would be whether Leicester’s squad has the quality to carry out exactly what Potter will ask of them. The owners might need to dip into the transfer market for a ball-playing defender and/or creative midfielder, for example.”

3. Personality

An important aspect of football management which often goes under the radar is personality. The best coaches in the world usually have something different about them.

Shearman points out that this is an area where Potter is potentially lacking and it played an important role in him losing the Chelsea job.

“The Chelsea job is not for everyone. The Blues are not only one of the biggest clubs in the world but arguably the toughest to manage, given their ruthless nature.

“I think this is where Potter ultimately came unstuck. The likes of Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Carlo Ancelotti are high-profile names with big personalities. In the nicest way possible, Potter will never be one of those, he lacks the charisma.

“Of course, Leicester are not Chelsea, with no disrespect. They are much more similar to Brighton, where Potter excelled, so his personality should not be an issue. Just be prepared to get frustrated with his lack of passion or inspirational speaking from time to time.”