Identity Crisis

[Blanchflower78]

We have lost our identity. Last season we were all nervous starting with Claudio following all the negative media. Perhaps that played in to the clubs hands and a siege mentality was created. The start we had was fantastic and a brand and identity was created. We were brave, reckless at times and more often than not entertaining. Teams loathed the idea of playing us because of all these factors. Average players suddenly became good solid players and those above excelled as quite fantastic footballers. We had a scouting network that was envied by all, a manager charming the nation and wider audience and players who were defying their limitations.

 

The plan was simple, nothing was secretive about stopping us - we told the opponents what to expect, the problem was stopping it. Since the magnificent achievement that culminated in May, only 6 months a go we have seen changes.  Our much reveered Chief Scout has left, 1-2 around him earlier than that. Our star performers were courted all summer and a handful rewarded with what we believe to be mind blowing sums of money by lcfc standards. Our star find kept us waiting before moving to the bright lights of london for a handsome fee, we hurt, we still hurt. That was the first chink in armour we'd felt in a long time.

 

Next came the new signings, for champions league newbies there may have been a tinge of dissapointment regarding those coming in. Since then question marks continue to reign given players suitability to the formation and style. The biggest hole being Mr Kante, no easy solution but a role that demanded the skill of decision that had previously delivered Cambiasso and Kante himself...

 

A disasterous yet high profile summer of friendlies reminded lcfc just how difficult remaining in the elite would be. We met new friends, the media enjoyed extending the fairytale - we gained nothing.

 

If last seasons start was the catalyst this seasons has been the downfall, we sit 2 points off the bottom 3 after losing at Watford. The biggest reality check being 6 months from holding the trophy, most expected todays result.  Our identity has been lost. We look to the goal keeper far too often for a team who have enjoyed the success we have over the last few years. Play now becoming longer, directly as a result of relieving pressure rather than constructive longer passes to a willing runner. Our chief willing runner now has book deals, a movie coming and 100,000 other reasons to perhaps curtail is previous eagerness. The quick incisive link up play has now been replaced with nervous energy. Our width has become dis jointed and un productive. The Roller Coaster that was Leicester City has de-railed, the opposition now looks on with bewilderment and confidence at a team so recently brought dread and fear. A defence that looked un-breakable now plays on egg shells, a fear perhaps based on our central position in front being less protective therefore showing up defenders whos limitations are now there for all to see again. Band of brothers stretched to their limits.

 

Can we find our identity again or can we create a new one. We cant ever replace whats gone but you can keep the recipe with new ingredients. 

[Guest ttfn]

The point about looking to the goalkeeper too often is well made.

 

Its absolutely mad to think that a year ago we won back-to-back away games 3-0. We've scored 5 goals away from home this season, none of which have so much as given us the lead.

 

The biggest problem for me is that the football is shit. We play turgid, long ball, shit football which is totally at odds with the stuff we were playing 12 months ago.

[Monsell1976]

We don't have any sort of plan, or identity, we just plod through a game, with no real invention, and when we run out of ideas, hoof it.

These players achieved what they did through hard work, and togetherness, all of which for me isn't there this season.

These players were unwanted, unknown, all had something to prove, and I think after last season, they have forgotten what made them better players, and all of a sudden think they are better than they actually are, and effectively lost that edge.

I think there is something in the big time Charlie attitude, massive contracts, champions league football, nothing to motivate them, except the champions league,  which funnily enough is the only competition we have done well in.

For me it's a combination of all the above, and Claudio constantly defending the indefensible, and Claudio not adapting to what isn't working.

He's going with more or less the same core players, same formation, same tactics, and getting the same shite results, something has to give.

I don't care how it's dressed up, Claudio and his staff are paid a lot to do well, and the players are paid a fortune to implement their instructions, and so far this season, none have warranted their extravagant wages.

Forget being champions, our league performances and form, are not acceptable, and the points return is relegation form, so need to find the problem and resolve it.

 

[Guest ttfn]

We've had 6 shots on target in the last 4 games. To be honest if you'd told me we'd have six shots on target in the last two I'd have been quite disappointed.