Max Kofler: Die Revolution

It's a tough job looking at where Leicester are but you have by no means got your work cut out with 17 games left in this this season. A lot of work to be done here.

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Speaking for the first-time since being appointed Leicester City head-coach, Max Kofler joined us as we posed questions to our new manager ahead of the Foxes' clash against Liverpool tomorrow night.

Q. Firstly, welcome to Leicester City Football Club, Max. How does it feel to be in this position right now and what have your first couple of days at the club been like?

Thank you. I'm delighted to be here. It's a tremendous opportunity for me at this stage in my managerial career. I've not had much experience yet admittedly, but I've been privileged enough to enjoy a great level of success in my years in management already. This includes managing against some of Europe's elite, through the Bundesliga, as well as the Europa League. But the Premier League is a whole different challenge. It's the greatest league in the world. To be given the chance to manage such a historic football club is an amazing feeling for me, especially managing a club I had fond memories of. I think the whole world was behind Claudio Ranieri and his players when they went on to win the Premier League! Hopefully we can eventually enjoy the same level of success! [laughs]

There's a terrific atmosphere about the club, despite the club's current situation in the table. The fans have been very supportive in their messages and I'm delighted to have been given such a warm welcome. It's refreshing to read all the comments I've received and the players are certainly feeling a "buzz" like I am. The first couple of days have been about getting to know each other and laying the foundations of my management. I'm very respectful of those previously set by Brendan and will be looking to improve on those, to begin with. Already, I think great strides have been made between myself and the players in terms of our working relationship. There's a great sense of professionalism, even from some of the younger faces. So overall, it's been a very pleasing start and I'm looking forward to what's ahead - despite the challenges that may face us.

Q. You left your position as head-coach at Köln last month and have received numerous offers from clubs across Europe since. What caused you to believe Leicester was the right club for you and why were you so keen on getting back into management after such a short period away?

When I left Köln, I left under a bit of a cloud. I never wanted to leave the football club the way I did, but unfortunately I felt limited in what I could do when I made the decision to walk away. It pained me to do so and I have fantastic memories to take from my time there, memories in which I will treasure for the rest of my life, I'm sure. The players and staff there were fantastic and many I consider life-long friends, as a result. When you walk into management, you get a real appetite for it. When I left, I was still hungry for more and therefore made the decision that should the right opportunity present itself, I would happily make the jump to go for it, to satisfy my need to be back in the dug-out.

I received plenty of offers, but the Premier League and England was always my ideal destination. It was a decision fuelled by mine and my immediate family's interests. I was fortunate to talk to a few clubs, but decided that, for whatever reason, a move there wouldn't be right for me. However, when Leicester came calling, I saw a club that had a great opportunity to grow. There is a lot of potential here and that's something the owners and directors felt, too. We were very much on the same page when negotiating and building a relationship with the powers that be at the football club is always refreshing. The offer they presented to manage the club was something I couldn't refuse.

Q. You spoke briefly about the club's current league position earlier. How do you view that and how do you plan on improving?

Truth be told, I think the club should be in a much-better position. That's not to criticise the work Brendan has done, but highlights the quality I see within the squad that has, so far, under-performed. It is my job, as a manager, to find out why the performances haven't been to the standard the fans expect and to eek out victories rather than draws. I think there are certain factors that contribute to our current position which I have witnessed so far, but I'll be looking to address those in the coming weeks.

While it is easy to stand-back and criticise the players for the work conducted on the pitch so far this season, it has to be noted that there are pleasing elements to our game. It is simply about addressing the problems, while ensuring we remain positive in the areas we have been solid in. Once we do that on a regular-basis, you'll see an improvement and hopefully at the end of the season, we'll be in a much-better position.

Q. With the transfer window open, it is the ideal opportunity for you to address those problems by bringing in fresh faces and building your own squad. Is that something we can look forward to in the next couple of weeks?

I won't rule that out. However, it's important we also look to work with the existing group of players and enhance their performances. There are players who are capable of far more than they have currently shown and I expect them to really up their game in the coming weeks. There has been a level of naivety with some of the players, with a lack of competition in certain areas, which has led to certain players becoming too at-ease. That's something that needs to be addressed.

So yes, the window comes at the perfect time for me to do just that. But, we need to be careful and precise with the signings we make. While I am not overly concerned at the club's league position and strongly believe it is something we can easily solve, that is only possible with everyone pushing in the same direction and working in unison. I'll be working closely with the relevant staff members at the club to ensure we make the right decisions this window to achieve our aims between now and the end of the season, but also tick the box of building towards the future and not just the present.

We have to use the market shrewdly, otherwise we're making huge risks which we cannot afford to do at this moment in time. That doesn't necessarily mean our business will be "safe," but it means that we won't be rushing into decisions and everything will be considered.

Q. The backroom staff at the club has remained largely untouched since your arrival, what was your thinking behind remaining with the existing team?

There is no need for wholesale changes at the club and I have a great level of respect for those who came before me. I'm looking forward to working alongside everyone involved at the club. The only changes I wanted to make was expanding on certain areas - bringing in one or two extra faces to help with certain things, whether that be an additional scout or physio, or filling the void left by a former employee.

The staff at the club have built relationships with the players and I would be foolish to alienate myself by sacking members of staff and replacing them. The impact it would have would be noticeable right away and it's important we don't try to change too many things at once. Things need to be bedded in slowly, but that's not to say things will be changed at a later date, definitely not.

Q. Reverting back to the playing-side once again, the players trained with you for the first-time yesterday. What occurred yesterday and what can they expect?

Organisation, for one. I'm a man who likes organisation with the way things are delivered. So the players will know what they're doing on a weekly-basis, how they're doing it and what my expectations are for every session, for every routine... if not, I told them yesterday that the door is always open and I want to be the first man they approach. I'm not someone to be feared, I am someone they should feel able to come to with problems and know that I'll be able to help. That's something very important, in my view.

Everything is to be geared towards preparing for each game the best we can. I think some of the players perhaps underestimated my training methods yesterday because we had a few tired faces at the end of the session, but that's what I want to see. I want to see players giving it their all in training and coming off the training ground better for it.

I shared a few laughs with the players and hopefully, it will all build to the atmosphere and relationship I want between myself and the players, whilst also maintaining a high-level training schedule. Myself and the coaches will be closely analysing everyone's performance to ensure they're up-to standard. If not, there will be consequences and the players were told that yesterday. Everyone knows there is a level I expect in training for you to even be considered for a game.

Q. So, what can the fans expect?

The fans can expect entertainment, for one. That's something I pride myself on. Coming to watch the club needs to be something the fans choose to do, not feel forced to do. Ultimately, football is about results; but I like to factor in enjoyment, too. When the fans and players are enjoying what they're seeing or contributing to, then the likelihood is that the results will naturally flow.

Any manager can tell the fans this, that and the other. The difference is that I will put this to practise and hopefully, they'll see the difference on the pitch. We need to make the King Power a stadium in which generates noise and generates passion, enough to terrorise the opposition. Once I witness that, I know that the fans are feeling a connection with what they're seeing. Results need to come thick and fast, though. I believe I'm the man who can do that.

I'm committed to the work ahead and I'm hoping to really invest into the project this football club presents. There is a tremendous opportunity for me to do that with the existing players, but also with the players that are coming through at the club - in which I have witnessed first-hand, albeit briefly. The fans ought to feel I am as connected as they are, that's something I can promise. I won't back-down when the going gets tough, contrary to what particular newspapers may have said about me leaving Köln.

Q. And finally, Liverpool will be your first opponents tomorrow night at Anfield. How much are you looking forward to that?

I'm really looking forward to the challenge Liverpool present. They're a top-class side, not just in England, but within Europe, so the prospect is exciting, naturally. We've not had too much time to prepare, but there won't be any excuses from me and I'll still be expecting a certain level of performance from each of my players that step foot onto the pitch tomorrow night. They know how I want them to play and I'm expecting that to transition from the training ground to the pitch.

I'm not deluded and realise it will take time for everything to fall into place, so there will be certain things that perhaps lack the precision I come to expect, but the level of performance has to be there to show that the building blocks have been put into place. I have full confidence in everyone and hope to see my faith repaid.

I have a great amount of respect for Unai Emery, however, so I fully expect a tough night tomorrow. The atmosphere and support is fantastic at Anfield and it's a daunting place to go. We need to have no fear. But I'm very excited, indeed.

Thank you for your time, Max.

No problem. Any time!

Replies

SoA: Leicester certainly have the ability to become a top-half side, despite their failings so far this season. Should these failings be addressed like Max hopes, there's no reason it isn't possible to climb up the table.

LFC: Sorry, it had to be dragged out purely because I love doing it. Liverpool aren't the ideal debut game for a manager needing to record points, but anything is possible. It's one game at a time for now, but Bournemouth does present a slightly more favourable task, following on from this game.

Justice: The man, the myth, the legend, Paul King.

Jim: Well done, it's about time you caught up! Max will be keen to make a good impression!

Jack: Seventeen games could be considered a lot of games or not many games, depending on how you view it. It's very much a glass half-full or glass half-empty debate. Regardless, Max will be keen to turn the fortunes of the club around. How and if he does this, you'll have to keep reading to find out!

A great interview there, gives us a real insight into what Max expects from his new squad. I am excited to see how this Leicester team performs for the new boss especially in game one against Liverpool. The new expectations from Max, in terms of work ethic, should really squeeze the best out of the team.

Max is a very well spoken manager, and it would be nice to see him become successful in the biggest league in world football. Hopefully he can do himself due diligence and set the Premier League alight with this Leicester side, and you never know, maybe make the 15/16 season a reality once again, as I am sure it still hangs heavy in the memories of Leicester fans to this day!

Liverpool will be a massive test to start off your reign as manager. By the end of the game, however, Leicester fans will be drooling over their prized Wiener

A new manager - if up to a good standard which Kofler absolutely is - can effectively pick out the flaws of their predecessors regime. Leicester are by no means a top six side or barely even top ten, but we know from the past that Kofler has taken a newly promoted Koln side to arguably overachieve and reach German cup finals and most importantly, European football.

I've read through it all, great read! Inspired me to a similar story in the future, maybe.
Good luck with your tenure at Leicester.

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Ahead of our opening game together against Liverpool, I would like to present the first-team squad I have at my disposal.

We begin with the goalkeepers. Our first-choice keeper is Kasper Schmeichel - who is entering his tenth season at the King Power Stadium. His experience and quality is very much welcomed under my stewardship and I look forward to working alongside the Dane. He has been the undisputed number one since his arrival from Leeds United and I do not plan on changing this, with the 34-year-old still very much capable of providing the goods on a weekly-basis. Not only this, but Kasper has asserted himself as one of the Premier League's finest keeper and as such, has won many plaudits across his tenure in the top-flight. He is a fan-favourite and someone who will continue to be associated with the club for as long as he wishes to ply his trade here. Kasper's back-up is Italian Luigi Sepe, who was brought in under Brendan Rodgers in the summer from Napoli for £1,100,000. Now thirty, Sepe has spent his entire career in Naples - beside a handful of loan spells, with the most recent of those coming in the 2018/19 campaign with Parma. He appeared in all but one of their Serie A games, as Parma returned to the top-flight of Italian football for the first-time since 2015. He is an able back-up, but we don't plan on relying on his services too much, if at all, this season. Regardless, Luigi has proven to be an adept back-up in Naples and will continue to do just that here. However, I would like to bring in a younger number two down the line. I feel having a younger back-up to Kasper is imperative to the club's future as he can be neutered by somebody who has a tremendous amount of experience under his belt. Over time, he can transition into filling the void left by our outstanding current number one once the time comes, as Kasper is approaching the latter stages of his career now.

Next, we focus on our defence. Perhaps our most valuable asset, Ben Chilwell will be our starting left-back for the remainder of the season, should we manage to retain the twenty-three time capped England international. He is currently subject to interest from Manchester United, with Antonio Conte keen on bringing him to Old Trafford. We continue to remain adamant in our stance that Ben is not for sale and will continue to remain at the King Power, regardless of the fee offered by Conte. Chilwell has asserted himself as one of the Premier League's top full-backs with excellent, consistent performances since making his debut in 2016. He appeared in all thirty-eight of Leicester's games last season, averaging an impressive 7.16 across the season. Ben has no natural competition, so this is an area we will be looking to invest in before the window closes. I am a firm believer that everyone needs competition to remain at the top of their game, not just in-case of injury or suspension. It's a must for a top-flight football club. On the opposing flank, we are presented with Calum Chambers and Kyle Walker-Peters. Chambers is set to be our prime option, with Walker-Peters acting as more than competent competition for the former Arsenal defender. Calum joined in the summer for £19,500,000 from Everton, having made twenty-eight appearances for the Toffees last season, averaging 6.90. At twenty-six, he is one of the more senior players in our young side. Having figures such as Calum, who have a fair bit of experience under their belt is hugely important in aiding some of the younger players in our side. Walker-Peters also completed a permanent move this summer, arriving for £4,300,000 from Spurs. He spent the 2018/19 season on-loan here, making fourteen appearances, before making another loan move to Cardiff City last season. He won promotion back to the Premier League with the Bluebirds, as he made forty-one appearances, scoring once. Having gained some much-needed experience in the Championship, renowned for its physical nature and tough scheduling, Kyle has certainly returned to the club a much-improved player from his initial spell here.

I believe the squad is most-gifted in its central-defence options. Harry Maguire would naturally be the first name on the team-sheet in this particular position, but he is currently sidelined with a hip injury that sees him out of action until April. Maguire has been a constant figure since arriving from Hull City in 2017, making thirty-five appearances last season. Now a regular in the England set-up, Maguire has a great level of ability and his presence will be missed in the coming months. He will, most likely, be partnered by Filip Benkovic, who complements Maguire's defensive-style well, with the Englishman being a more natural ball-playing defender in contrast to Benkovic's more conventional defensive capabilities. The Croatian has spent the last two seasons out on loan at Celtic and Ajax, respectively, but has made nine appearances this season under Rodgers. I see Filip as someone who has the ability to really nail down a first-team place in the second-half of the season. Jonny Evans' experience is a welcome back-up to Benkovic, with 23-year-old and four-timed capped Swiss defender Silvan Hefti an ideal replacement during Maguire's absence. Hefti was relegated with Aston Villa in his debut season in England - having previously played at FC Sankt Gallen in his native Switzerland, beforehand - but appeared in every game last campaign. A £17,250,000 move was enough to bring the highly-rated central-defender to Leicester in the summer. He will certainly play a key role this season in the absence of Maguire and I have full-faith that the younger man will really step-up to the plate and look to make the position his own.

With the defence aside, we now evaluate our midfield options - starting with our central-midfield. My predecessor struggled to settle on a preferred partnership, with Wilfried Ndidi often used as a central-defender, while the likes of Hamza Choudhury, Adrien Silva, Éver Banega, Nampalys Mendy and James Maddison all rotated, depending on the system deployed by Rodgers. Figures such as 35-year-old Lucas Biglia - limited to just four appearances since joining on a free from A.C. Milan - will be moved on should the opportunity arise, with Mendy also close to penning a loan move to La Liga side Sevilla until the end of the season. I am keen to give opportunities to younger players such as Hamza Choudhury - who has made twenty appearances already this season after spending last season on loan with Hertha BSC - and James Maddison. The latter has been severely limited in terms of appearances in the past two seasons, having originally appeared in all but four of Leicester's games during the 2018/19 season after joining from Norwich City. He has only appeared six times this season. Choudhury, meanwhile, has been given more minutes on the pitch in the past few seasons under Rodgers, before being sent out on loan to Germany last campaign. Adrien Silva will certainly feature with the 31-year-old still possessing some real quality in his arsenal. His adaptability in midfield in-terms of the roles he can play will be a major benefit. However, this all depends on the system we opt to use. Wilfried Ndidi has inserted himself as one of the Premier League's finest defensive-midfielders and will be the main-man, sitting just in-front of our defence. The 24-year-old Nigerian played thirty times last season, averaging a rating of 7.02 and 3.8 tackles per game. Choudhury will play in-front of him, either accompanied by Silva or playing behind the number ten of James Maddison. Éver Banega, on loan from Sevilla, will merely be cover. The 32-year-old, capped seventy-eight times by Argentina, was impressive in Spain last season, scoring six times and assisting nine, but does not comply with the model I want to set, unfortunately. His experience will be a real aid, should he come on from the substitutes bench, however. Our midfield options in this area are another strong-suit of our squad, however we do lack an out-and-out central midfielder - with only Choudhury and Silva recognised central-midfielders, opposed to Maddison and Banega who are more suited to playing off the striker, and Ndidi who is more adept to a more defensive role in the midfield. Adding an extra option to the midfield could really pay dividence come the end of the season.

This leads on to our wingers. Our star-man here is Romanian Dennis Man, who has been capped thirty-times by his country. Man joined last season for £9,000,000 from A.S. Roma, where he asserted himself as a bright prospect in Serie A under the guidance of Eusebio Di Francesco - scoring eight goals in twenty-seven games. Surprisingly, the Italian club opted against keeping Man at the club for the following campaign, enabling Leicester to make a swoop for the young winger at a rather cut-rate price. In his debut season in England, he scored one fewer, but contributed ten assists in thirty-games. Now twenty-two, Man is certainly one of the most talented young players in the Premier League and has continued his good form this season, scoring four. His closest competition on the right is Mark Albrighton, who has enjoyed a remarkable campaign thus far. In his seventh season at the club, Albrighton has featured nineteen times, contributing two goals and five assists. Despite now being thirty-one, he still remains an excellent option to have within the squad. Marc has been the first-choice option on the opposing flank, ahead of Demarai Gray and Harvey Barnes. Gray has been limited to ten appearances, whilst Barnes has made just four. As such, the left-side is an area that needs investment. It has been a real problem area and something that ought to be addressed. I simply cannot rely on a 31-year-old, nor can I rely on Gray or Barnes, who have failed to perform this season. It's likely that I will look to loan out Barnes to give him regular game-time. The next year or so is vital in seeing whether or not he can make the grade here. Gray, meanwhile, will still be a part of the squad and just needs to be given the right management in order to help him find his way again. He certainly has the tools to be a better player than he has been. He's someone I like to call a "confidence player" and once he finds his swagger, will be a dangerous player to contend with.

Finally, we turn our attention to the strikers at the club. This area has been one of much concern at the King Power since the start of the season. We currently have the second-lowest goal return in the division, having scored just sixteen goals this season. Seven of those goals come from our current first-choice Jamie Vardy, who entered his ninth season at the club at the start of the season. Jamie has continued to show his excellence in the Premier League year-upon-year, scoring fifteen goals last season at the age of thirty-three and doesn't appear to be slowing down. Unfortunately, we have been too over-reliant on his goals this season, with the other strikers at the club failing to pull their weight. Haris Seferovic, who joined in the summer of 2018 for £15,750,000 from SL Benfica, has seen his goal-return dwindle further this season, after registering seven and four goals in his previous two seasons. Scoring just once in seventeen appearances, Seferovic has demonstrated he hasn't got the ability to be a regular goal-scorer, which is something we are currently crying-out for and the likelihood is that he will make way for an extra striking option to come in. Kelechi Iheanacho, our third and final recognised striker, has appeared just ten times since 2018 - failing to register a single goal in that time. A permanent move seems to be off the table, with Kelechi unwilling to leave the club, but another loan move could be a possibility - with the striker spending the second-half of last season with Greek Superleague side PAOK. Unfortunately, Kelechi has really fallen by the wayside since his move from Manchester City in 2017. Goals are needed in desperate supply and my main objective will be to find a source, whether that be through an existing squad member or elsewhere.

Replies

LFC: Liverpool will be an extremely tough game, but it's a game that needs to set the foundations that Max wants from his team. The fans will be keen to see an improvement from what was served under an ailing Rodgers side. It's all well and good talking the talk, but now Max has to walk the walk and demonstrate what he has said on the pitch.

Maguire: I don't think any Leicester fan who was alive and kicking at the time they won the Premier League will ever forget the day. It was an incredible sporting moment, even if you weren't associated with the football club. Max is delighted to be given the opportunity in the Premier League, but should he fail to deliver, he knows that he will, ultimately, pay the price. Leicester are currently embroiled in a relegation battle at the moment, whether he wants to acknowledge that or not and results need to come thick and fast!

Justice: Everyone loves a wiener.

Jack: Kofler has a proven record that he is capable of delivering success. He has yet to experience the challenge of a club in this current climate though, so it'll be interesting to see how he adapts. This could be the toughest challenge yet, whether he wants to admit that or not. However, he seems to have a plan in place.

Slipky: I'm delighted that you enjoyed reading, mate! Glad to see you've started your own story too. Very pleased to have been a form of inspiration for you. Looking forward to seeing some terrific writing over the coming weeks and months.

It was always a bit of a spoiler this for me considering I knew these players beforehand. However, what you've got there is a very capable squad in my eyes that have just been misguided recently

Not a bad squad. I think the summer will be pivotal. Secure premier league status and you’ve got some valuable assets in the shape of Chilwell, Slabhead, Ndidi & Maddison as they all usually move on. Kelechi could be good value too.

But good luck

You certainly have a strong squad to work with. I'd imagine the priority in the transfer market will be to replace the ageing strikeforce with some younger talent.

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Max Kofler began his tenure in the Leicester City dugout with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

Leicester City head-coach Max Kofler made his Premier League return, as his Leicester City side held Liverpool to a credible 1-1 draw at Anfield. Jordan Henderson's second-half strike was only enough for the hosts to record a point in their bid to secure UEFA Champions League football this season under Unai Emery, despite their dominance in the statistics over the course of the ninety minutes.

Liverpool began on the front-foot and were awarded a penalty after less than ten minutes. Wilfried Ndidi was penalised for a clumsy challenge on Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, which presented fellow Brazilian star Fabinho with the chance to put his side in-front from twelve yards. However, Kasper Schmeichel made an excellent save, diving to his left to prevent his side from going a goal down in the early stages of the game.

Twenty-three minutes in, Dennis Man raced away with the ball after tracking back to prevent Salah from delivering a cross into the box. The ball eventually found its way to Calum Chambers, who sought to overlap with the Romanian, before he delivered a cross into the area. A rare mistake from Dutch centre-half Virgil van Dijk led to the ball falling kindly for Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who made a late run into the area. His initial effort was denied by Simon Mignolet - who came in for the injured Alisson - before the rebound was turned in, giving Leicester a surprise lead at Anfield.

Quick to find a response, Liverpool thought they equalised on the half-hour mark, when a free-kick from Houssem Aouar found the head of Van Dijk, before the ball was eventually turned in by Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian's celebrations were cut short, however, with referee Graham Scott referring to VAR, prior to ruling the goal out for offside.

Salah's frustrations continued when he was unable to convert a simple one-on-one opportunity after a sublime ball through by Gelson Martins. His effort struck the post before being tidied away by Filip Benkovic who hoofed the ball out of play and away from danger, as Liverpool's number eleven was made to rue a fantastic missed opportunity.

There was only so much longer the Foxes could resist the dominance from the hosts, though. After a quick throw-in routine, Aouar's ball into the box was headed away by Swiss defender Silvan Hefti. Mohamed Salah was able to nip in-front of Dennis Man to cut the ball back for Jordan Henderson who made no mistake in curling the ball expertly past Kasper Schmeichel with a well-placed finish to equalise.

With momentum on their side, Liverpool supporters could have been forgiven for expecting their side to find the net for a second time, but Leicester continued to defend resolutely. Kieran Tierney was denied well by Schmeichel, before Roberto Firmino forced the Dane into another smart stop with around twenty minutes to play.

The Foxes had very few chances to retake the lead, managing just six shots in contrast to Liverpool's forty - although only twelve of these found the target, but held on to record a richly-deserved point at Anfield.

Unai Emery was left feeling disappointed with his side's efforts in-front of goal at the full-time whistle.

"We should have won the game tonight. We missed far too many opportunities and that's something you cannot afford to do at the highest level. It was a rare off night for us, but when you're not on-form, you need to find that cutting edge and we severely lacked that tonight. Full credit goes to Leicester for the tenacity they shown, however, they took their chance and defended well when they needed to."

Max Kofler was delighted with the result, as he opened his account as Leicester manager with a point to one of the division's finest.

"I thought we showed great character tonight in the way we played. When the going got tough, we really stepped up to the plate and snuffed Liverpool out when we needed to. They have a lot of talent in their ranks and we limited their talent extremely well. There was certainly an improvement going forward, but I'd like to see a bit more. At times I thought we were a bit slack, but once we gel together under my management, I think we'll see improvements in time. But this is the perfect result to get things underway."

He continued, "Kasper was outstanding tonight and would be my Man of the Match. He pulled off some excellent saves and was only undone by an excellent finish from Henderson. I had to applaud that effort - it was superb, especially from somebody not renowned for their goal-scoring abilities. I don't want to take away from any of the players though, they all made a case as to why they should start in the next match and facing a selection dilemma for the right reasons is something every manager loves, as much as it can be a headache at times!"

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Liverpool XI: Mignolet, van Dijk (Clyne, 63), Gomez, Tierney, Fabinho, Henderson, Keita (Robertson, 84), Salah, Martins (Shaqiri, 69), Aouar, Firmino

Unused substitutes: Robles, Gori, Lallana, Wijnaldum

Leicester XI: Schmeichel, Chambers, Hefti, Benkovic (Evans, 71), Chilwell, Ndidi, Choudhury, Man (Albrighton, 78), Maddison, Gray, Vardy

Unused substitutes: Sepe, Walker-Peters, Silva, Kimble, Seferovic

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Replies

Jack: Haha, unfortunately due to my incompetence in graphics, it has to be this way. You know I'm very grateful for the work you do! The squad certainly has elements of class; it's just a class of extracting the very finest out of it and plugging the gaps that are currently cause for failure.

SoA: These next few months are vital and Max will be taking one thing a step at a time. But you're not wrong, I feel the summer could be huge - with Chilwell already attracting interest and the other names you mention likely to do so in the summer, too. It'll be a case of trying to impress them enough to show there is reason to stay at the King Power beyond the summer and look to work under Max for the foreseeable future.

Justice: Can't complain at some of the talent involved with the squad. Plans are in-place to find suitable signings in order to strengthen a few weaker areas.

Excellent result to start with. Anfield is never an easy place to get anything from. But to do so in your first match with an underachieving squad, is impressive.

For a first match, this is certainly not a bad start. Especially considering you were up against arguably one of the best teams in England

Not a bad start at all, as much as there is evidence for some teams to have a 'new manager bounce' a draw against one of the most talented teams in the league with possibly one of the most demoralised sides following Rodgers' reign is a great result. Hopefully all up from here!