Page 50 - JPGS Magazine

Playing Style
You probably won’t believe me when I tell you
Leicester had one of the lowest possession

percentages in the league, at 45%. However, they
had 52% of the territory at all times. This was the

Italian impression in the English game. Leicester had
tight defence, and committed to pressing even in
defence, and thus forcing their opponents to make

errors due to their lack of tactical awareness.
Leicester recollects the ball and launches a quick
counter attack by spreading to the wings in either

Mahrez or Albrighton, who slip in Vardy or Okazaki
(or even Leonardo Ulloa) and finish cleanly. This was
the Leicester method under Ranieri, and was only

reinforced by the way the players enjoyed that style
of football. The reason this was so effective is
because the opposing team completely committed

to attack, with even the centre-halves charging into
midfield. This left them wide open and susceptible
to counter attacks. No matter the league or

situation, this method is extremely effective.

Ranieri’s Genius
All throughout his managerial career, Claudio Ranieri has had the same disposition.
Even whilst being Italy’s national team’s manager, his enforcement of the tight

defence through a highly physical backline virtually ensured a clean sheet. This was
only strengthened by the physicality and tenacity of his midfield, leaving no room for

wasteful passing or unnecessary possession. The momentum was always generated
quickly and through moments of magic, and Ranieri’s Foxes were the first to realise
this and actualise it on matchday. Also, Ranieri follows the trend of most successful

managers in the history of the English game, in having a very personal relationship
with most of his first team players. This gives them drive and motivation to succeed
alongside their incredible desire.

So, to summarise this rather long and wordy article, Leicester won the Premier
League because of their unwavering desire, excellent leadership, the fact that every

person was on the same wavelength and of course, their tactically brilliant manager.
No one would have guessed it; given it was a 5000 to 1. All they needed was the one.

ADAM USMAN