Under the Radar: how Sven-Göran Eriksson is quietly making things happen at Leicester City

When Sven-Göran Eriksson took the job as Leicester City manager, there were a lot of sceptics. Some thought he didn’t have the right background and discipline to manage a team at Championship level. Others questioned his past affairs in the media and whether it would impact on his professionalism. And many thought that former chairman Milan Mandaric had been far too trigger-happy with Paulo Sousa, who was dismissed after a string of dismal results and poor performances in September 2010.

But since the former England boss took charge, the Foxes have climbed ten places in the league. Eriksson has brought in a blend of youth and experience from the Premier League, and key players are returning to – and excelling – their form from last season.

The winning mentality is back.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, however. A new manager will not win every single game. The Championship is a highly competitive league, and this season has proven that any team can beat any other team. But the season ends in May; not in December. The phrase “it's a marathon, not a sprint” is one to bear in mind. Leicester fans are right to have high expectations, but should also not be concerned that their team are still in the bottom half of the table. Since Eriksson took charge, Leicester have taken 23 points from twelve league games, winning seven of those in the process - the most games won by any side in the Championship during that period. The Foxes have scored 21 leagues goals in that time (bettered only by Leeds United).

To put it simply, here is the difference between the two Leicester managers this season:

Paulo Sousa

Games played: 9
Games won: 1
Goals scored: 10
Goal difference: - 12
Points: 5
League position: 24th

Sven-Göran Eriksson

Games played: 12
Games won: 7
Goals scored: 21
Goal difference: + 8
Points: 23
League position: 14th

Leicester are the form team in the Championship over the last twelve games. They are also averaging 1.92 points in that time. That works out as 88 points over the entire season. In four of the last six seasons, 88 points is good enough for second place in this division.

However, there is still room for improvement. Leicester’s away form – whilst not terrible under Eriksson – has burdened them somewhat over the course of the season. Seven points from a possible 30 is not encouraging, although six of those points have come from games since Eriksson became manager. The next three away games are against Ipswich, Millwall and Hull – three sides struggling for consistency recently. There is no better time for Leicester to be playing these fixtures.

But it isn’t simply about statistics. The players brought to this club have all fitted the bill, too. Full-backs Kyle Naughton and Greg Cunningham give the team an added dimension in attacking play with their speed and vision. Curtis Davies has been a rock in defence. Darius Vassell has proven that his 30-year old legs still have pace to burn and can break the offside trap with ease, and that the former England international still has an eye for goal. These are all players who have at some point played in the Premier League, and it is obvious to see that. Not to mention the fact that Eriksson has the option to be busy in the January transfer window.

The best thing, however, is that Eriksson is doing all this relatively quietly. He knows the season doesn’t end tomorrow. He also knows what this side is capable of when they play their best football. Anyone who witnessed the second-half demolition of Doncaster Rovers last weekend would argue that it was some of the finest football seen at the Walkers Stadium in many years. No side in this league can contain Leicester City when they play like that.

The fans fully support the manager, as do the new owners – who have publicly stated that there will be money available in January for Eriksson to strengthen the side. A strong December is therefore essential. More importantly, it’s extremely achievable. This team is stronger than it was under Nigel Pearson last season – and when things come together, it really is exciting to watch.

Don’t be surprised if Sven-Göran Eriksson and Leicester City are making a realistic push for automatic promotion (there, I said it) in April 2011.

This team is going places.