Categories: EPLNewsNewsNowNigeria

Brendan Rodgers reveals reason for Iheanacho’s lack of game time at Leicester City

The former Manchester City forward was Leicester City’s highest goalscorer last season, but he hasn’t been allowed to replicate the same brilliance this season due to lack of playing time

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has cited Kelechi Iheanacho’s inability to properly fit into his new playing style as the reason why the 25-year-old has had to spend more time on the bench this season.

The former Manchester City man was the Foxes’ highest goalscorer last season with 19 goals and nine assists in 39 appearances, of which 24 were starts.

However, the Nigerian star’s situation has not been ideal this season, as the arrival of Patson Daka from Salzburg and the return of Harvey Barnes from injury hasn’t done him any favours, restricting him to just eight starts in all competitions this season.

Last season, Rodgers used a 4-4-2 formation which made sure that Iheanacho got a lot of playing time, especially between January and May.

It was quite productive as his brilliance helped Leicester City secure the FA Cup and a fifth-place finish in the Premier League.

However, this season, the former Liverpool gaffer has changed to a 4-2-3-1 with space for only one striker, and Rodgers believes that Iheanacho would not fit in properly into the system.

“I think we’ve said it before: he’s best in a two, that’s clear, that’s when he’s been really good,” Rodgers said as per Leicester Mercury.

“He’s training well, he’s a great professional, Kels, and he knows he’s going to feature over the course of this period at some point.”

Iheanacho will hope to get his chance when Leicester City take on Napoli in their final Europa League group game on Thursday evening.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

View Comments

  • Let the young lad shine his stars. He is a gem. If he can't fit in to the new formation then let him go to another club where he can fit in.We want to see him play.

  • Why won't you face problem when you not helping your community, , remember where you come from, pay your tithe , help the locals, build roads, build schools , greedy man , can't you see what Mani is doing even Defoe of england check the things he did , I no pity you ooh , you can remain in bench

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

“It’s impossible” – Mourinho snubbed as Osimhen rejects Fenerbahce bid amidst Chelsea, Real Madrid interest

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has turned down an approach from Turkish rivals Fenerbahce, making it… Read More

5 hours ago

No starts, no problem – Should Chukwueze be comfortable with being a bench player in Milan?

Super Eagles and AC Milan winger, Samuel Chukwueze, has admitted he's content with sacrificing his… Read More

6 hours ago

“We need to start again”- Super Eagles goalie Maduka Okoye sets Udinese target

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has stated that his goal with Udinese is to finish… Read More

7 hours ago

Premier League table after matchday 32: Where Ndidi, Iwobi, Onuachu, Aribo, and Aina’s clubs stand

Matchday 32 of the English Premier League delivered more twists for Super Eagles players and… Read More

8 hours ago

Osimhen and Lookman transfer latest: Juventus plot, Galatasaray hope, Man United watch

Juventus are plotting ambitious summer moves for Nigerian stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, as… Read More

8 hours ago

Nigeria vs Algeria: Flamingos ready for North African test as race for Morocco 2025 World Cup heats up

Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have ramped up their preparations ahead of Saturday’s crucial… Read More

9 hours ago