Steve Cooper has highlighted the importance of intense rivalry across all positions in the squad, comparable to the current situation among the club’s centre-backs.
Cooper was appointed manager of newly promoted Premier League club Leicester City in June, when Enzo Maresca left for Chelsea.
As he prepares for the upcoming Premier League campaign, Cooper has made it clear that he does not want any guaranteed starters in his side.
As reported by LeicestershireLive, the Welsh manager is pushing for a competitive environment across all positions, much like what exists among the centre-backs.
Leicester’s strong defensive line-up
Leicester boasts a strong selection of centre-backs, providing Cooper with ample options for his starting line-up. Last season, Wout Faes and Jannik Vestergaard were the regular starters.
However, this summer, the club bolstered their defensive line with the £15 million signing of Caleb Okoli from Atalanta. Additionally, Conor Coady has emerged as a significant figure, even captaining the team in recent pre-season friendly games. The centre-back options include: Wout Faes, Caleb Okoli, Harry Souttar, Conor Coady, and Jannik Vestergaard.
Cooper’s vision for squad competition
Speaking about the depth he has in central defence, Cooper said (quotes via LeicestershireLive):
“That’s what I want in every position. I don’t want any player thinking their place is absolutely nailed on.”
“That’s what we’re aiming to do, that in whatever position a player plays, they get on with their team-mates and have a great spirit, but they have to play well and train well because there’s somebody ready to play. We’re not in that position at the moment. But I hope we can be.”
Cooper’s remarks reflect his commitment to creating a competitive atmosphere within the team.
As Cooper aims to strengthen his squad with additional recruits before the season begins, he hopes to instil a culture where every player must earn their place.
This approach is expected to elevate the overall performance of the team, ensuring that Leicester City can compete effectively in the Premier League.
