It looks like a punishment. This Thursday, Leicester City faced Liverpool at Anfield Road. And, surprise at kick-off, Youri Tielemans, though captain sparingly this season, started on the bench. Brendan Rodgers, who is increasingly decried at the Foxes, appeared at a press conference to address this beginning of the problem. Why did he choose to part with the Devil as well as the Turkish Caglar Soyuncu during such an important meeting? Short question, short answer: “No one is guaranteed to play and the guys know it”.
In reality, the Ketje of Brussels realized this weekend, one of his worst performances since he arrived in Leicester City. Swept away, the Foxes were taken out of the FA Cup by the modest Nottingham Forrest (4-1). A slap that had a direct consequence: Youri Tielemans started a meeting on the bench for the second time in the Premier League.
With this decision, Brendan Rodgers wanted to warn the former Anderlechtois. “Youri is a good guy and I’ve always been close to all my players. But that doesn’t mean I can’t say what I think about their performance. And I say that to them, before I say that to you. .”
Did the message get through? The question may arise. Entering the half-hour mark, the 24-year-old midfielder did not leave a good impression. At least for the local Leicester Mercury newspaper with the rating of 4 out of 10: “Left on the floor early in the game, his performance as a substitute did not suggest it was the wrong decision, with the balls released too often.”
A departure in question
In addition to his poor performance, there is obviously the question of a transfer which hovers in the air. Arsenal and Manchester United would be very interested in the services of the one who sees his contract end in June 2023. A situation necessarily favorable for the acquiring teams.
One thing is certain, the Red Devil will have to recover and quickly. It would be in his own interest as well as that of his club. Indeed, poor performances could chill buying clubs.
According to Rodgers, the pill passed: “Youri is a smart guy and he gets it. He knows he hasn’t been at the level for the past few weeks. I would like him to be at a higher level.” Will Rodgers apply this sanction over time? The manager also wanted to mobilize his player: “I’m sure he’s going to put in some important performances by the end of the season. Against the Reds, we all fought together. I hope Yuri and all the players will gain confidence.”
Twelfth on 14 points behind West Ham, but three games less than the Hammers, Leicester are clearly under pressure.
