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Friday, 19 May 2017

Can AFCB learn from Leicester suffering title defence?

I'm not convinced that Leicester City could have really made a great defence of their title this season no matter who was their manager. While many fans point towards the loss of N'Golo Kante to Chelsea as a huge factor in the club's season, I see a second half of the season when the Foxes were back on the front foot and picking up points again from some top sides. They didn't lose their quality forever, but re-found their hunger when they needed to. Their heavy defeat against Spurs though last night won't make life any easier for AFCB.
Leicester found it hard going at Dean Court
earlier this season going down 1-0 to the Cherries. 

Leicester City - a one season wonder? That's not necessarily so. While they will surely have to change a few players over the summer, if they can keep some big names like Vardy, Schmiechel, Drinkwater and Mahrez the spine of their team will remain strong. They know what is needed to win a title and to play in the Champions League. That experience is something that only the other top four clubs in the country have and it's something that many teams will never achieve.
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So are Leicester City a side that AFCB can learn from? Even though Howe's way of playing is quite different there are things that can be picked up on that I think have not left Leicester when they play well. The game that reminded me of the Leicester of last season was their win at home to Liverpool 3-1 in February, when they had been just a point above the relegation zone before the win. They played with aggression and intensity that blew Liverpool away and it was a performance that was in total contrast to their defeat against Swansea earlier in February. They dug deep when it mattered. It was too late for Ranieri who was sacked, but Leicester defended together and simply took their chances. 

AFCB have had the togetherness factor for a long time and it is very important not to dilute that when new players are added to the squad. I only hope Eddie Howe is considering that when he thinks about this summer's singings. Would John Terry rock the boat? I tend to think he might and may be AFCB were lucky this last season that Jack Wilshere found it easy to muck in with the team, but you need that 'brothers together' mentality to succeed and  who knows if Leicester City or another club aspiring to grow like AFCB can challenge the traditional order.

Leicester City Home Form
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AFCB Away Form
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