“EXCLUSIVE: Leicester City in turmoil? Incoming manager could overhaul fragile squad, stabilise a leaky defence, unlock lethal attacking combinations, and oversee the sensational return of TWO key stars named in the Foxes Forum squad list — but who are these players, and who is the man for the job?”

Foxes Forum: Leicester City boss has to rebuild fragile squad and bring the fun back

Leicester City’s transfer window saw new faces arrive and familiar ones depart — but was it sufficient for the club to mount a play-off challenge?

Our team of City writers and supporters has delivered their verdict on what the next manager at the club will need to prioritise first — let’s face it, the list is long!

LeicestershireLive’s City correspondent, Jordan Blackwell: “The ideal manager is someone who has the authority, charisma and play-style to reinvigorate a fragile squad and turn around an ailing club.”
However, that’s a lot to ask. For now, a manager who understands how to organise a defence would be enough.

That’s now 26 Championship games in a row without a clean sheet. Only Sheffield Wednesday have conceded more frequently. Their record at the back is desperately poor.
If they can find a manager to organise the backline, it should make a huge difference. That’s even if that means compromises have to be made in attack.

With Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu, with Divine Mukasa joining the squad, with Harry Winks to supply them, and with Jordan James and Aaron Ramsey returning from injury, City have the quality to get goals.

If allowed to play with even half the freedom they showed in the first half on Tuesday night, the talent is there to keep City firing.
So it’s simply about structuring the defence and not giving opponents so many opportunities.
Even minor improvements in that area should boost confidence and make the team feel less vulnerable to squandering leads.

Football writer and Foxes fan, Amie Wilson: “For me, I think the most important thing for the new manager to do is to bring the enjoyment of football back to the club, that’s both on the pitch and in the stands. The first half on Tuesday was an indication of what this team can do when they get it right, but they’ve been way too inconsistent, as shown by the second half.”
As soon as the first Southampton goal went in, you could sense the nerves throughout the stadium, and the team crumbled. If the new manager can somehow remove the tension and get the squad enjoying playing again, consistency would likely improve — easier said than done, though.

If the players are enjoying themselves, that should translate into the stands, and the connection between fans and players can hopefully start to be rebuilt. If that happens over just a couple of games, it will make it much easier for City to climb the table and distance themselves from the relegation zone.

Getting players, particularly Jordan James, back from injury will also be a significant boost for the new manager. Divine Mukasa impressed in the first half against Southampton, and with him and James in midfield, it looks like it will be exciting once the Welshman is fit and available.
Football writer and Post Horn Gallop editor, Daniel Orme: “Where do you start? The in-tray for any incoming manager is close to overflowing.”

They need to reunite a divided fanbase, get the players on board, find a way to keep goals out, and prevent a club that is rapidly declining from slipping into the third tier. It would be a massive challenge even for some of the most decorated managers in world football.

It’s a bit of a cliché, but the new man needs to give the fans something and the players something to believe in. As it stands, there is resignation both in the stands and seemingly on the pitch that Leicester City will be playing League One football next season. That resignation has turned into apathy.

Some positivity and confidence around the club would go a long way in getting the team back on track. Of course, attitude alone doesn’t win games — that comes down to talent, determination, and a little bit of luck.

Leicester have lacked all of those at various points this season. But if the new manager can get everyone pulling in the same direction and on a shared path, it will certainly help in achieving the immediate target — survival.

Who is that man? It’s hard to say. And it’s a question that those in the boardroom will need to answer very soon.