Gary Rowett’s five urgent jobs to pull Leicester City clear of crisis | OneFootball

Leicester City are in crisis and Gary Rowett must keep them up. He takes over on one point from six, two off safety, with 14 games to escape. LeicesterMercury.co.uk sets out the key jobs awaiting him.

First, the defence. City have conceded in 26 successive league games, so clean sheets are vital. Rowett’s record is about one every three, but he must instil resilience and may reshuffle, with potential changes at full-back for Ricardo Pereira and Luke Thomas.

Midfield balance matters. Five, Harry Winks, Oliver Skipp, Joe Aribo, Louis Page and Divine Mukasa, compete for three spots. Winks thrives in possession, so the blend is key, with Mukasa gifted but raw, and Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Jordan James, Aaron Ramsey and Hamza Choudhury returning.

Rowett needs Stephy Mavididi producing again. Two seasons ago he contributed every 200 minutes, this season it is every 438. With Abdul Fatawu thriving and Patson Daka and Jordan Ayew quiet, a resurgent Mavididi plus midfield output could be enough even if strikers do not.

Consistency across 90 minutes is another must. Since December, City impressed in first halves against Derby, Ipswich, Coventry and Southampton but then lost the second halves 8-1. Rowett has to ensure strong starts are sustained after the break.

He must also reconnect the fanbase. A protest is planned for his first home game urging a sale, so committed defending and positive attacking must lift the King Power mood. He cannot quickly change views, but he can make 90 minutes compelling.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk