BBC NEWS; The reason Steve Cooper hasn’t played with the dynamic Leicester City combo that were so successful last season.
Leicester City’s lack of inventiveness, especially on the flanks, has left supporters wondering why Steve Cooper isn’t pairing Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu.
Mavididi and Fatawu excelled on both sides of the wing, contributing 37 goals and assists in the 2024/25 season.
Under Steve Cooper, the two full-backs have only been on the game together for 30 minutes, despite their terrifying pace.
Some supporters at King Power Stadium have booed the decision.
Steve Cooper’s methods hamper Leicester City players.
According to Leicestershire Live’s Jordan Blackwell, the main reason Mavididi and Fatawu haven’t started together this season is tactical.
Cooper, unlike former manager Enzo Maresca, prefers to play in the center of the pitch with two defensive midfielders, a number 10, and a winger who can come in on the inside.
Cooper identifies Fatawu and Mavididi as players that excel when playing out wide, after the success of Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Jordan Ayew, and Facundo Buonanotte in this manner.
The full-back will be the attacking player on the winger’s inside move. For the first three games, Victor Kristiansen was in charge, but James Justin now has the freedom to attack when the Foxes need it.
Steve Cooper discusses the tactical choice that has baffled Leicester City supporters.
Cooper’s tactics have not been well received, to say the least.
Leicester City have yet to win a top-flight season, causing frustration among fans. They are also the only newly promoted side in over 20 years to fail to win any of their first six games.
Earlier this season, the Leicester manager explained how he attempts to build up his teams: “You try to identify hotspots on the pitch against an opponent that you can capitalise on.”
“Sometimes it stifles their talents, while other times it capitalizes on their deficiencies. Coaching is responsible for developing high wingers on the right or left, as well as a certain midfield profile.
“Also, if players perform well and are in good shape. Stephy has come in and scored twice. His goal return is good right now, so we want to identify which guys are performing well and continue to push them to grow even more. That’s all part of the puzzle we strive to piece together for a game.”
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