CloudFox

No creativity whatsoever. No midfield at all.

What baffles me is that it looked like the players were buying in in pre-season. So what the hell's happened? I can't see any of the patterns of play today.

There is no way Cifuentes wants us to play like this. It is 100% on the players.

We look terrible. Devoid of ideas, tactics, talent, but worst of all, effort. Ugh. At least ****ing try, guys.

You can say that again.

Where is the press...? I thought that was supposed to be a key element of Cifuentes' style? Swear we've barely seen it since the Fiorentina game.

Not even a quarter of the way through the game and I'm exasperated already. I mean, come on.

Well it's always nice to be prepared

I'll admit, the aperol spritz in a beer garden while we were playing a match fighting against relegation pissed me off. I also didn't like his part in the "I miss u Enzo" incident in Copenhagen or wherever it was... I do, however, understand why he didn't want to be away from his newborn over night. And let's be honest, that Enzo sign incident, although unprofessional, was a pretty good reflection of how many felt under Cooper I hope he stays, and I hope he rediscovers his passion playing for us. If we get that Harry Winks back this season, we'll do alright I think.

Yes, and here's why: (Ta, @Chelmofox )

I really want him to succeed. He feels like he's a genuine Leicester fan on the pitch, and works very hard...it's just not working for him at the moment. I've never really felt he works on the wing, except as an outlet for cross field balls sometime. Not sure where he played as a youth player, but I thought he was always an attacking midfielder , operating inside to out rather than the other way around as you do on the wing. Would like him tried up front or as an 8 too. Not sure that's where Cifuentes sees him, but it's early.

If Ricardo still isn't ready, here's what I'd like to see: Stolarczyk Aluko Nelson Okoli Justin Winks Page El Khannouss Fatawu Mavididi Ayew However, that is a very young side that lacks experience, so more realistic line up would be: Stolarczyk Justin Nelson Vestergaard Thomas Soumaré* Winks El Khannouss Fatawu Mavididi Ayew * I don't want Soumaré to play, but I really can't see what other option is likely. And I'm not rating Skipp.

I will miss JJ. One of the only ones who has stood up to be counted among this current group. He has also been in very poor form at times since his injury. But never felt he stopped trying. We will be weaker without him until Aluko proves himself, and either Thomas improves or we get a new left back.

He'd probably be a decent signing for them. Also no doubt help expand their reach even more re: marketing and exposure!

Now you've said that, the feeling is uncanny. How depressing that it suggests yet more examples of how we keep cycling through our same mistakes. At a minimum, if we could just sign one starting CM, I would have a smidge of optimism as we progress through the season. That the club's actions have reduced me to that as being something I will accept as a minimum viable approach is so disappointing.

I don't want to be all doom-and-gloom, but does anyone actually have any confidence we'll sign anyone now? I have a feeling either we won't, or it will be too little, too late for what we need. Striker, at least one starting CM, and a LB are desperately needed.

I don't get this at all. He seems like he is actively showing he doesn't want to be here...which seems quite unprofessional? I'd hoped he could just start afresh this season.

Oh dear Marti. You have some job on your hands.

He was on international duty and is now injured, apparently. Behind Ricardo and Kristiansen in terms of recovery, Cifuentes said.

Interesting line up. Feels like a good mix of youth getting a chance and some second string/those pushing for starting berths. Skipp/Soumaré is bleurgh...but I'm hoping it means next weekend they won't play together. They'll be too tired, right? Right?!

So Kone is off the table. Genuinely no idea who we'd look at now, realistically. I love the suggestions in this thread, but I just can't see us being that inventive. I think we've got Ayew and Daka for the season, that's our lot.

Goodnight, sweet prince. /close thread

I think you're misunderstanding haha. I meant you could buy a number 9 shirt, but not get a name on the back with it. I never said it was a great idea, just a "****ing stupid idea" in your words. Sorry for having a bit of fun on little sleep

I'm all for the bullishness of our chances this season, but let's stay humble for the first few games eh? There's a reason we got relegated. Our squad has some real strengths, but midfield and upfront there are still plenty of questions. Today I'll take a win, however we get it. Then we build and prove ourselves worthy of challenging. First gameweek is always insane. First 10 games just as crazy. Last time we were down here, Preston were top of the league for the opening few weeks! And it meant nothing in the end.

Could not agree more. I think retiring the number would have been ridiculous, but at least make it a number you have to earn, given our greatest ever player wore it barely a few months ago. Leaving it free for a year would have been a really nice, respectful approach I think. And honestly, would probably work really well as a story the club can "sell" or market to fans. Want a number 9 on the back of your shirt? This season, you can't get a name with it, player or fan. Anyway, I'm going to be over in the corner huffing copium that this is all Ayew trying to take the pressure off whomever comes in as a new striker or something. He's part of the leadership group now after all.