Discussing the key takeaways from Leicester City’s 1-0 loss to Bristol City, including the players’ post-match ire, their wasted opportunities, the effect of off-field issues, Enzo Maresca’s lack of substitutions, and more.
When Leicester City won the Championship for the ninth time in a row at QPR in October, Enzo Maresca urged his players to take advantage of the praise and mingle with the supporters.
From the perimeter of the penalty area, they had been courteously cheering the visiting supporters, but Maresca wanted his players to join in the celebration because he did not want them to get complacent with their winning streak. A festive mood emerged, resulting in an unforgettable scene that stands out as one of the season’s highlights.
The players are back to their civilized, box-edge cheering now. Following Leicester’s fourth loss in six Championship games against Bristol City, the away team received a divided response.
A few people expressed their gratitude to the players. Some people let out their resentment. Chants of disgust that questioned the performance erupted.
Most of the players stayed back. James Justin was the only player to really come forward, although Mads Hermansen moved forward a little bit. The full-back approached the advertising hoardings and proceeded to travel the entire length of the stand, clapping every segment of the away fan base. The fan base’s sentiment remained unchanged.
It felt like a tide turning in response to it. It seemed as if the intense feelings of the previous two weeks, along with the last six weeks, were now exploding. The relationship between the club and some supporters has been strained by the financial concerns that could result in City losing points, but it was already somewhat shattered because it had not fully healed since the relegation.
However, this was the first instance of a rift of sorts between the players and the fans. There have been explanations for the last six weeks and the bad run of form from the middle of February. However, not just now.
Perhaps the team just needed a vacation after going through a busy period since the November international break. It was just a physical and emotional reset.
They were also given a decent fixture to start with. Maresca claims that since everyone is vying for a prize, there are no simple games in the run-in. In a competitive level like the Championship, that is largely accurate; yet, Bristol City is one of the few teams not involved in either the play-offs or relegation.
With more at stake, City ought to have demonstrated greater zeal and drive. The fans expressed their frustration after the game since they didn’t think they understood that.
The tide is barely beginning to turn, so it will only take one strong victory and one outstanding showing to turn it around. However, it must happen rapidly since it gets harder to manage the tide as it rises.
