Russell Martin’s five early changes at Leicester City after mixed League One start | OneFootball

Russell Martin’s reign at Leicester City is just under 90 days old, a mixed start but with five clear shifts emerging.

According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, City have two wins from seven in League One and sit mid-table. They beat Stockport County before a 1-1 draw at Barnsley, and return after a three-week break on October 10 for seven October games.

Martin has installed a defined possession model with a ball-playing goalkeeper, assured centre-backs, balanced full-backs and a linking No.6. It has shone in spells, exemplified by Liam Cullen’s goal at Barnsley, but mistakes have also cost them.

With Ricardo Pereira, Hamza Choudhury, Jordan Ayew and Jamaal Lascelles gone, a new leadership core is forming. Alex McCarthy, John Lundstram and Conor Chaplin add experience, and Harry Souttar and Wout Faes have worn the armband.

The mood at Seagrave has lifted. Staff note Martin’s engagement across the club, and players speak well of working with him, Conor Hourihane and Andy King.

Bravery on the ball is demanded and risks are accepted. The key is how quickly City respond to turnovers, which has been inconsistent. That resilience should grow with time.

Academy opportunities are being handed out. Braybrooke, Will Alves and Jayden Joseph have featured, Riley Carr made the Carabao Cup bench, and Lorenz Hutchinson, Tommy Neale and Will Lawrence debuted in the EFL Trophy.

October’s schedule and this break offer scope for cohesion. If the risk-reward balance sharpens, City should progress from game to game.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”