Russell Martin was selected as the new Leicester City manager, and the former Southampton and Rangers coach will try to gain an instant promotion out of League One.
Sky Sports analyst Aaron McLean believes that Leicester City manager Russell Martin is the perfect person to lead the club in the League. One season following a ‘disgrace’ of the previous two.
City has been relegated from the Premier League to League One twice in a row, and the club is prepared to play in the third division for the second time in its history.
Martin was named the new manager of the Foxes last month, and preparations for the next season are well begun. Leicester begin their League One season at Notts County on Saturday, August 15 (12.30pm).
McLean, who played with Martin at Peterborough, believes the 40-year-old is a good fit at the King Power Stadium and has backed his former comrade to improve things at City.
“Listen, he’s going into Leicester now, and Leicester will definitely be better for it,” he told BetSelect. “He will go in, establish a framework, organise, and recruit the appropriate characters.
“He’s brought in Conor Hourihane, another top-tier professional. Conor, a personal buddy of mine, was at Barnsley last season. So there’s a plethora of expertise there, which Leicester sorely needs because the last few seasons have been a disgrace, you have to admit.”
He said, “They need the right people to come in and lift the club, and I believe Russell Martin is that person.” I think he’ll perform fantastically. I think he’ll do well, and he’ll offer an appealing type of football, so it’s a win-win.”
Martin joins Leicester having previously managed Milton Keynes Dons, Swansea City, Southampton, and Rangers. Despite his success at Saints and reputation as a possession-focused manager, there have been worries about his ability to adapt to changing circumstances.Did I ever see him become a manager? Absolutely,” McLean said. “He had always intended to work in management. And you never know how good people will be as managers, so I’m not surprised that he’s done so well.
“He is a person who will stick to his beliefs. He’s always done this. He is a strong advocate for his beliefs and will not be swayed by others’ opinions.So I believe that’s what got him to where he is today, and it’s what allowed him to do what he did to get Southampton promoted. Many would have said, ‘You need to modify the way you play; you can’t do this in the Premier League’.I believe there is a case for both sides. You won’t go where you want to go by listening to what others say and allowing them to dictate to you. However, you may need to mix things up.
Leicester City is facing a serious rebuilding process in League One, and time is of the essence. The transfer window is open, and players will be entering and exiting the King Power turnstiles.
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