Back in October 2010, the appointment of Sven-Goran Eriksson brought about a certain level of criticism and scepticism. Some thought that former boss Paulo Sousa was not given enough time in charge. Others thought that the arrival of the former England manager was somewhat of a publicity stunt by former chairman Milan Mandaric. Since Sven has been at the helm, however, there is absolutely no question that this club has turned a corner.
Sven has done what he believes is necessary to get this club back on track, which has involved some very brave decisions along the way. The sale of both Matty Fryatt and Michael Morrison to Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday respectively left many Foxes fans shocked. Jack Hobbs and Bruno Berner have surprisingly fallen down way the pecking order at Leicester City - despite the latter signing a new one year contract just last month. All four were integral in the club’s success in gaining promotion from League One, as well as making the playoffs last year. Not only that, but these four were fan favourites over the last two seasons.
Compared with last season, Eriksson has brought in an entirely new back four since his arrival. The pairing of Sol Bamba and Ben Mee coupled with the relatively inexperienced (yet talented) full-backs Kyle Naughton and Patrick Van Aanholt could be considered by some to be a huge gamble; especially after essentially replacing a defence which only allowed 45 goals last season – only Newcastle, Swansea and Nottingham Forest conceding fewer. These were changes which Sven believed needed to be made in order to tighten up defensively – and so far it has certainly paid off.
Eriksson has also brought in two attacking players who had big question marks over their ability and fitness. The permanent signing of Darius Vassell - who had been out of English football for some time - left some fans bemused, and the loan signing of Yakubu came as somewhat of a surprise – as well as a massive financial outlay. However, Vassell has been a devastating force when played up front, demonstrating his fantastic pace and vision. Yakubu scored on both his home and away debuts, and continues to terrify defenders with his technical ability on the ball. Both players will play significant roles in the final fifteen games.
On top of all the chopping and changing on and off the field, a key reason behind the club’s success is the fact that, generally speaking, the fans have given Sven a chance to make things work. It helps that Leicester City have boasted promotion form over the last 21 games (picking up an average of almost two points per game in the process). But there have been bumps in the road – including a very poor December which saw the Foxes pick up just four points from five games. Nevertheless, the fans never overwhelmingly voiced their displeasure when things were not going as well as expected, which allowed Eriksson to stay focused without facing pressure from the owners.
The result of all this is very clear. Leicester have risen from 24th to eighth in the Championship since the arrival of Sven, picking up 40 points from a possible 63 (this form from the beginning of the season would have equated to 87 points). The Walkers Stadium is once again a place to be feared by visiting teams (the Foxes are undefeated in twelve games at home since Sven’s arrival). Leicester are also undefeated in the league in 2011, and the defence has steadily improved. Players such as Richie Wellens and Paul Gallagher appear completely rejuvenated, and have enjoyed some of the best form of their careers over the last couple of months. Fans’ relegation fears have been replaced with playoff optimism and aspiration. The turnaround is obvious.
This turnaround, however, may not have occurred in the way that many Leicester City fans thought it might have – or even wished that it had. But Sven’s impact on the club is extraordinary. And should this turnaround continue, this club will fully deserve another shot at promotion to the top flight.
Here’s hoping for a success story by the end of May.
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