How Claude Puel calmed Leicester down and carried them up the table

Leicester’s defence was struggling but Puel has helped them put together a run of five games without conceding a goal

By Martin Laurence for WhoScored, part of the Sport Network

When Leicester City appointed Claude Puel to replace Craig Shakespeare, the news was met with a little bemusement. He had won the Ligue 1 title at Monaco but that was nearly 20 years ago and he failed to win over Southampton fans last season. Puel’s dismissal, which was welcomed by many supporters on the south coast, now seems more than a touch harsh. Southampton were were narrowly beaten in the League Cup final and finished eighth in the Premier League last season; they are now in the relegation zone, having failed to win any of their last 11 league games.

Puel’s single season at Southampton gave him an introduction to the Premier League and Leicester are now reaping the benefits of that experience. When he took the job in October, Leicester were 14th in the league with just two wins in their opening nine league games. They are now seventh in the table, having not lost – or conceded a goal – in any competition this year.

Continue reading...