Leicester City’s return to the Premier League has been anything but straightforward. The Foxes have shown moments of brilliance under Marti Cifuentes, but their recurring defensive issues were once again laid bare in their latest outing. Leicester’s vulnerability in transition has become a pressing concern, and unless Cifuentes finds a consistent answer, the club risks losing momentum in a season where survival and stability are top priorities.
The defeat at the weekend highlighted a familiar pattern: Leicester start games with attacking intent, dominate possession, but leave themselves open at the back. A lack of compactness in midfield combined with slow recovery from the backline makes them easy to exploit on the counter. Opponents know that if they soak up pressure and break with pace, Leicester are susceptible. This has been the story of multiple matches this season and was once again visible in the goals conceded.
Marti Cifuentes has been open about the need for tactical balance. Since taking over, he has encouraged Leicester to play more proactively, building from the back and pressing higher up the pitch. This has allowed Leicester to create more chances and get their attacking players more involved, but it has also increased their exposure defensively. The challenge is finding a structure that allows for creativity without sacrificing solidity.
The good news for Leicester fans is that Cifuentes may have discovered a potential solution. In recent weeks, he has experimented with using a double pivot in midfield, partnering Harry Winks with Boubakary Soumaré to provide more screen in front of the back four. This adjustment looked promising in stretches of the last game, even if it was not enough to prevent goals being conceded. Soumaré’s ability to break up play and Winks’ composure in distribution could be the balance Leicester have been missing.
Another option on the table is the integration of academy product Ben Nelson into the first team on a more regular basis. Nelson’s pace and anticipation have impressed in cup games, and he could offer fresh energy and cover when Leicester face sides who rely heavily on counter-attacking. Cifuentes has not been shy about trusting young players, and Nelson may represent the type of fearless defending Leicester require in transition.
The upcoming fixtures present Leicester with a real test of how quickly they can implement these adjustments. They face a mix of high-pressing sides and deep-block opponents, which will challenge their tactical flexibility. If Cifuentes can get the double pivot working consistently and improve communication between his centre-backs, Leicester may yet turn a corner defensively.
For now, Leicester City supporters will take solace in the fact that their manager is not blind to the issues. Cifuentes has shown a willingness to adapt and find new solutions, and that proactive mindset could be the difference between a season of struggle and one of steady progress. The problem may be exposed once again, but the search for answers is very much underway – and Leicester may just be a few tweaks away from solving it.
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