Steve Cooper Leicester City criticism is beyond harsh after four games but trouble may await

Current Leicester City news as the Foxes get ready for a busy two months filled with many challenging Premier League games.

The first four Leicester City games of the Premier League have generated a mixed bag of ideas thus far, depending on your expectations.

The first weekend’s thrilling draw against Tottenham at home was succeeded by back-to-back 2-1 losses to Fulham and Aston Villa. City participated in all three of Steve Cooper’s first games as manager, and they undoubtedly felt unfairly treated in the two home games.

The 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday served as yet another stark reminder of Premier League football’s realities. In the first half, Leicester outperformed the Eagles and proved to be deserved leaders. They were physical, won midfield duels, and troubled players like Marc Guehi.

It seemed like a loss at full time because the game finished equal even though Stephy Mavididi gave Leicester a 2-0 lead in the second half. Cooper’s ‘negative’ strategies to maintain the lead rather than challenge Palace have drawn criticism; oddly, some people have even called for his resignation.

Of course, everyone has the right to express their opinions. That’s the main goal of football. However, it seems incredibly early to cast doubt on the manager’s ability to retain the team in the Premier League after just four games.

I want Leicester to use their squad’s inventiveness to expose their opponents. Attack, in my opinion, is also the finest kind of defence. But as Cooper clarified, you just have to adjust to the situation when Palace is playing defenders instead of forwards to cause havoc.

In other words, when Oliver Glasner substituted two full-backs, Nathaniel Clyne and Daniel Munoz, for Daichi Kamada and Ismaila Sarr, City faced a 3-5-3 with eight, or occasionally nine, players piled forward. With that, there’s only so much room for flexibility.

It goes without saying that it is insufficient to have only four ball touches in Palace’s half. Your own build-up play needs to be better to push forward and release pressure if you’re going to try to defend a lead. Leicester had a different experience on Saturday and learnt a valuable lesson.

Everton will be at King Power Stadium this week. It’s a significant game this early in the season. Although a loss would be devastating, a win for Cooper’s team would put some distance between them and the bottom three. This season, the Toffees have lost all four of their Premier League games, blowing a 2-0 lead in their previous two.

The disappointing Carabao Cup loss to Southampton on Tuesday night increased the pressure. I tried to observe the game to see what to anticipate from Everton, and they are having trouble. While they do have a few inconsequential gems from time to time, as a squad they lack confidence.

There’s good cause for the Foxes to think they can secure their first victory of the year. Some worry, though, that failing to do so will portend bad things to come. Cooper is aware of the pressure going into the match, but he needs the support of the supporters.

Cooper has complimented the fans’ loudness throughout the first two home games, and they will be essential. In fact, the support of the supporters in the upcoming six games—which include Everton, Bournemouth, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, and Ipswich—might make all the difference.

If Cooper is unable to gain confidence and move up the Premier League standings during those games, then perhaps Cooper’s criticism will be justified. But let’s give him and the squad a chance for the time being.

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