JibrinHow Leicester City could transform under Gary Rowett – these 2 things are likely to happen
FLW examines two developments that are likely under Gary Rowett at Leicester City.
This follows John Percy’s report that the Foxes are in advanced discussions with Gary Rowett over a short‑term contract until the end of the season.
The 51-year-old manager was, of course, most recently at the helm of Leicester’s fellow relegation rivals Oxford United, but was dismissed last December after securing just one victory in 10 matches.
Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that when he initially took charge of the U’s from Des Buckingham last season, Rowett rapidly improved Oxford’s fortunes and managed to keep them up – largely thanks to a nine-game unbeaten streak.
Given that his prospective Leicester contract is only temporary, it appears to have been offered primarily on the premise of keeping the Foxes in the division, in a similar manner to what he achieved in 24/25.
So, what can the club realistically anticipate from Rowett?
Yes, it was some time ago, but at Derby County in 17/18, Rowett demonstrated that he is not committed solely to defensive football. Only three Championship sides scored more than his Rams as they reached the play‑offs, eventually losing to Fulham in the semi-finals.
With that in mind, Rowett has previously emphasized balance in terms of playing style, stressing that it is pointless imposing a philosophy if the squad isn’t suited to it.
In his first press conference as U’s manager, Rowett said about his tactics, “I’ve always been pretty flexible. I have a certain set amount of values and my teams will always be really organised and clear on the structure.
“I’ve been coaching for a long time now, so I’m very clear on my methodology and how I want to try and get the best out of the players… If I look at my Millwall team, it had a certain look about it, but my Derby County team was one of the top scorers in the division,” he added.
So, for someone who had Millwall fans chanting against his style of play, Rowett has shown he can adapt – he just won’t deploy his team in a particular way if he believes the players aren’t capable.
On paper, the individual talent of the Leicester squad is arguably far superior to any side he’s previously managed – and he could turn them into a free-scoring unit like Derby seven seasons ago.
If there is one shift that seems almost certain under Rowett, it is Leicester becoming more robust and less vulnerable without the ball. Their 51 goals conceded this season leaves them the second-most porous Championship defence – only worse than the ill-fated Sheffield Wednesday, with 64.
Just a few weeks before his Oxford dismissal, Rowett told BBC Radio Oxford in December that “this league is about becoming tough to beat” – saying exactly, “the focus really is to find that little bit of consistency, even if it’s just physical output. This division is about becoming hard to beat and we need to do that a little bit better.”
Rowett also urged his players to take responsibility and become a threat from set-piece situations, adding, “Players have to take some responsibility, we have to get back to being a threat from set-pieces.”
You can expect he’ll aim to introduce this aspect immediately at Leicester, particularly considering that’s what he did last season. Since Oxford are one place below the East Midlands side – in 23rd – their choice to dismiss Rowett and replace him with Matt Bloomfield hasn’t exactly gone to plan.
For a Leicester team that have too often appeared fragile at key moments this season, appointing Rowett on a short-term contract could prove a very savvy move.
Jibrin
