Can You Keep It Up and January Window?

[MackemHope]

Congratulations on yet another phenomenal result guys. Extremely impressive, and if there ever was a season to be having such a good run, it's this one, with pretty much none of the top clubs showing any great consistency. Mahrez and Vardy are pretty much ripping the whole league up, although the guy who really impresses me is Kante who seems to break up play without getting too much of a mention.

 

Anyway, I wanted your thoughts on Ranieri's statement that he isn't looking to bring anybody in during the January transfer window. You've got some really tough games coming up now in December, but it's not beyond possible that come into the new year you will still be top, I'd fancy you to beat Chelsea and you could definitely take points from the Everton and Man City game. I ask the question, as a LONG time ago, either 1999 or 2000, Sunderland were top of the league at Christmas. We were flying with speed all over the pitch, and had a great up front partnership with Phillips and Quinn........In January that year, top of the league, Peter Reid did not spend, stating he was happy with his squad and depth. Retrospectively, that was a huge mistake. Within a few months, we got injuries to key players, and other teams after a while began to work out how to play against us, and we eventually finished 7th. I always look back on that period as we had a golden opportunity to kick on that season and finish who know's where, maybe top/2nd. I'm convinced we would have with the acquisition of maybe 3/4 very solid players who could be the difference when your star man is out.

 

I think Leicester have that opportunity this season, and you should be preparing to bolster your squad for the run-in period, as sooner or later, you will need to freshen things up player-wise, it's inevitable. You should be looking to finish within the Champion's League positions in my opinion, with the start you've had, but you need to have great depth to do that.

 

Anyway well done on yet another win, hopefully I haven't put too much of a dampner on things, I'm just seeing many parallels between your current season, and one we had so long ago.

All the best.

[Fez of Mahrez]

People talk about us not having the squad depth of Man City, Arsenal, Man United etc but so far we haven't needed our reserve options much.

The first XI is pretty settled. Touch wood we don't get many injuries and we have internationals who can't even get on the bench who should be itching to make an impression should they be needed.

And I'm a pessimist.

[VLC86]

First question is a bit personal but if you are selling viagra inbox me.

[Number 6]

People say we have a small squad but we spent decent money on Benalouane, Inler, Kramaric, Okazaki and Ulloa and at the moment only one is playing.

I feel more of those will be involved as the season goes on. Our top 4 challenge may live or die based on how those players come in and do.

[whoareyaaa]

I think we have better quality players than what you did back then and we do have strength in depth lets not forget we have Dyer, Inler (swiss captian - un used), Kramaric (9m un used) Okazaki along with King, Schluup and Was. not to mention Benny and de leat - all these players could quite easily fill the gaps left by any injuries and do a job.

 

If anything we should be looking at a no.10/attacking mid but that's about it, this team is young and hungry and know how to win a league, plus not only are we playing with bags of confidence and scoring goals for fun we are dominating teams, we have only lost to Arsenal all season after 15 games.

 

I think we have a much much better chance of keeping this form going than Sunderland did.

[MackemHope]

People talk about us not having the squad depth of Man City, Arsenal, Man United etc but so far we haven't needed our reserve options much.

The first XI is pretty settled. Touch wood we don't get many injuries and we have internationals who can't even get on the bench who should be itching to make an impression should they be needed.

And I'm a pessimist.

Yes that's what we thought too! Fingers crossed you are right

[Dan]

The only thing that's knocking us down the table are injuries. That's how convinced I am by this team.

[MackemHope]

I think we have better quality players than what you did back then and we do have strength in depth lets not forget we have Dyer, Inler (swiss captian - un used), Kramaric (9m un used) Okazaki along with King, Schluup and Was. not to mention Benny and de leat - all these players could quite easily fill the gaps left by any injuries and do a job.

 

If anything we should be looking at a no.10/attacking mid but that's about it, this team is young and hungry and know how to win a league, plus not only are we playing with bags of confidence and scoring goals for fun we are dominating teams, we have only lost to Arsenal all season after 15 games.

 

I think we have a much much better chance of keeping this form going than Sunderland did.

Yes, it sounds like you have a lot of depth, if the players not getting games at present are as good as you think they are. Sunderland did have a very good squad and first team then. No household names, but in my opinion neither are any of the current Leicester players either playing or in your squad. Kevin Phillips got European golden boot that season, and was pretty much unplayable, a bit like Vardy's start this season.

 

It's easy to think your infallible when you keep winning, I did the same back then, I just look as it being a mistake for our club and can see it being potentially costly for you. But maybe not, if your bench is as good as what you are saying.

[KFS]

Not the first time a Sunderland fan has made a thread about Leicester

[MackemHope]

The only thing that's knocking us down the table are injuries. That's how convinced I am by this team.

Agreed, it's the injuries that will cost you if/when they happen. If you go out and make a statement with a marquis signing or two, then you're really going to be sending a message to the rest of the league in my opinion

[potter3]

People keep saying we lack depth, but we do have a pretty strong bench (in theory) as others have said. I wouldn't be against bringing anyone in during the transfer window, but I don't want us to to just bring people in for the sake of it. If we've identified targets in the usual way (through Walsh, tracked for a long time etc.) then go for it.

[Vacamion]

For everyone saying that only injuries will stop us, selling our best players and not replacing them with equivalents might stop us, too.

I hope we can keep hold of our stars.

[whoareyaaa]

Yes, it sounds like you have a lot of depth, if the players not getting games at present are as good as you think they are. Sunderland did have a very good squad and first team then. No household names, but in my opinion neither are any of the current Leicester players either playing or in your squad. Kevin Phillips got European golden boot that season, and was pretty much unplayable, a bit like Vardy's start this season.

 

It's easy to think your infallible when you keep winning, I did the same back then, I just look as it being a mistake for our club and can see it being potentially costly for you. But maybe not, if your bench is as good as what you are saying.

 

I understand what your saying but not only is the bench more than capable of stepping in the mentality of these players is something that's been build over a few years some of these players have been together for a while now and that is another reason to our success, Kasper, Morgan, Drinky, Kingy, Marhez, Vardy, Schluup, De leat. ( all these players dominated the Championship winning season breaking many records) plus we have added similar types of players in Kante, Albrighton, Huth and Fushs who are also looking very solid.

[kyleolly]

I don't think injuries will play a big part in our season we've had 1 long term injury in about 3 years I think we should add another striker and push on like we did when we bought mahrez huth and wood in Jan a player to hit the ground running and add to what we have

[Vlad the Fox]

I think we will bring someone in if available and will improve us. I think it's a bit of mind games, however it needs to be done carefully if so as we don't want to be upsetting any current first teasers if they are still performing by shoehorning new signings into the team. We haven't done that with the summer signings though so I don't see any reason why we'd do it in the second half of the season.

[foxes_rule1978]

As long as we keep it up I will be too...

[EnglishOxide]

Only area we need to strengthen in January is up front. Make a decision on Kramaric. Go all out for Breel Embolo.

[The Fox Covert]

I had to be reminded that Sunderland were in a great position in 2000 and completely blew it. Likewise Newcastle a few seasons earlier when Kevin Keegan was manager.

It is usually said however that by the beginning of December the league table really begins to take shape.

I have spent an hour rummaging through past league tables over the last 10 years.

In 6 out of the last 10 seasons the club which is top at the beginning of December finishes top at the end of the season.

In the other 4 no club which is top at the beginning of December has finished lower than 4th (Arsenal twice! in 2010 and 2013).

For City to finish outside the Champions League places ie 5th or below this would mean gaining 'only' another 37 points from the next 23 games (roughly mid-table form) to reach a total of 69 (Manchester Utd were 4th last season with 70). 

If City's form for the rest of the season was similar to the whole of last season (including the lengthy slump without a win for 3 months) this would mean gaining about 25 points from the next 23 games to reach a total of 57 and 7th place. Just outside the Europa League places.

Either of the latter two scenarios would be a huge anti-climax for the club and everyone who follows it after the euphoria of the last four months.

 

So begone all you doubters. City are quite deservedly in the best league position they have been in since the early sixties under Matt Gillies.

 

Oh and I didn't know until this evening that City exec chairman Richard Scudamore is a Bristol City supporter. Be good for a bit of work banter on Monday morning.

[Gerard]

Only area we need to strengthen in January is up front. Make a decision on Kramaric. Go all out for Breel Embolo.

 

 

The No10/second striker role is a glaring weakness in our team. Okazaki/Ulloa/Kramaric are just not good enough. Our tenth best player is still very capable.

 

I agree, if possible go and make one big signing in January to strengthen our title challenge. 

 

Breel Embolo looks like he would fit the bill. Basle may be interested in p/x for Inler or/and Kramaric in any deal.

[americanfox]

Only area we need to strengthen in January is up front. Make a decision on Kramaric. Go all out for Breel Embolo.

 

If Leicester could sign Breel Embolo, that would be a very very true sign of this club's rise (and intent).

 

Carrillo and a top-flight RB would be nice too. Am I crazy to see if club could loan in Piszczek or something? Or maybe Mahrez could put in a good word and Aissa Mandi wants to come here. I'm really dreaming.

[dylanlegend]

Our team is fantastic with a great spine (Huth, Kante, Drinky, Vardy) full of confidence as long we keep the confidence high we currently look and are the best team in the premier league

[deep blue]

I think we will bring someone in if available and will improve us. I think it's a bit of mind games, however it needs to be done carefully if so as we don't want to be upsetting any current first teasers if they are still performing by shoehorning new signings into the team. We haven't done that with the summer signings though so I don't see any reason why we'd do it in the second half of the season.

Hi MackemHope,

Thanks for your interest. The above comment mirrors some of my thoughts - whilst you are correct in that you should always be looking to push on, it has to be balanced with keeping the current harmony and team spirit intact.

I would maybe look to make one signing - push the boat out for Ighalo. First, to make a statement of intent to both our squad and our rivals. Second, to show our squad members that we will not allow complacency to set in, and it sharpens up competition within the squad. Third, to improve the squad - we have been missing chances. Fourth, to add depth to cope with injuries/loss of form.

This guy looks ideally suited to/would add to our style, he would be good-to-go instantly, but he would also be a buy for the future (eventual Vardy replacement).

Good luck for the rest of the season. Big Sam gives you a fighting chance (pity you couldn't do us a favour yesterday, though).

[deep blue]

Oh, and bringing I Ighalo would probably mean sending Kramaric out on a recallable loan to another club in the English league, to bring him up to match fitness in a team playing high-intensity football.

[les-tah]

That Breel looks the future real deal.

Don't Matter how good they are though, they have to buy into the Leicester way of playing including the off the pitch team spirit and no egos.

[4everfox]

My question to you is do Sunderland supporters still regard Leicester as a "sh#t little tin pot club that belongs in the championship"? I cant take you seriously until you answer and even then it would depend on your answer.