Chris Sutton Reveals Why He Isn’t Surprised by Leicester City’s Awful Form
Former footballer and pundit Chris Sutton has opened up about Leicester City’s alarming drop in form this season, admitting that he isn’t surprised by the club’s struggles. The Foxes, who secured a remarkable Premier League title in 2016, have been enduring a tough time, with many supporters left questioning the club’s trajectory after their relegation from the Premier League last season.
Sutton, who enjoyed a successful career with clubs such as Celtic, Chelsea, and Blackburn Rovers, spoke candidly about Leicester’s situation in an interview with BBC Sport. According to the ex-striker, the club’s decline can be traced back to a series of mistakes in management, squad decisions, and long-term strategy that have left them in a vulnerable position.
“One of the key factors in Leicester’s downfall was the lack of reinvestment in the squad after their Premier League title triumph,” Sutton explained. “The club’s success in 2016 was a dream story, but the reality is that they didn’t do enough to build on that achievement. While other clubs around them were strengthening and evolving, Leicester remained static. They didn’t make the necessary signings that would’ve kept them competitive at the top level, and now we are seeing the consequences.”
After their historic 2016 league title, Leicester enjoyed several strong seasons in the Premier League, finishing in the top half and even securing European football on a couple of occasions. However, a combination of managerial changes, key player departures, and financial challenges has contributed to their fall from grace. The departure of manager Brendan Rodgers, who oversaw Leicester’s last few seasons, has added further uncertainty, with the team struggling to find consistency under new leadership.
Sutton continued: “When you lose key players like Harry Maguire and Riyad Mahrez without properly replacing them, it takes its toll. The squad was left with an imbalance, and although they had some excellent players like James Maddison, you can’t rely on individuals alone. Football’s a team game, and Leicester didn’t adapt as they should have.”
Another aspect of Leicester’s troubles, according to Sutton, has been the instability within the club’s ownership and management. The departure of long-serving club figures, combined with an unclear direction from the top, has led to confusion and a lack of cohesion on the field. Sutton pointed out that Leicester’s failure to make strong managerial decisions in recent years has only compounded their issues, leaving the players in a limbo where they struggle to perform at their best.
“Leicester’s problems aren’t just on the pitch,” Sutton remarked. “The club’s leadership has been all over the place in recent years. When you have that instability at the top, it affects the entire club, from the players to the staff. A football club needs clear vision and leadership, something Leicester have been lacking.”
The ex-striker acknowledged that Leicester’s recent relegation from the Premier League has had a lasting psychological impact on both the players and the fans. While there are still plenty of talented individuals in the squad, Sutton believes that the club’s mental approach and their ability to fight their way back will be key in determining whether they can regain their Premier League status.
In conclusion, Sutton made it clear that Leicester’s awful form should not come as a shock to anyone who has been paying close attention to the club’s internal issues over the past few years. Despite their glorious past, the lack of proactive decisions in the transfer market and management has left them on the brink, with the potential to slip further down the football pyramid if they do not act decisively.
