Leicester City’s new manager, Dean Smith, has revealed that he held a meeting with John Terry, Wilfred Ndidi, James Maddison, and other key players as he looks to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Smith, who was appointed as Leicester’s new manager earlier this month, has brought in Terry and Craig Shakespeare as his assistants.
Speaking to Sky Sports (via Coast FM) about the importance of his deputies, Smith stated, “We all bring something different; that is why I felt it was important for all three of us to come in.
“Craig’s history with the football club: he has won the Premier League with this club as an assistant manager. He has kept them up as an assistant manager. He has taken the club to the quarter-final of the Champions League as a manager. His experience is massive.
“And then obviously, JT with his experiences as a player and as a blossoming coach.”
Smith also revealed that he had held a meeting with Leicester’s five-man leadership group, including Super Eagles midfielder Ndidi and England ace Maddison, to identify where the team had gone wrong.
“One of my big strengths, I think, is to listen to the players,” he said. “I will ask them questions. Players are not always used to being asked questions, but I want to know what they know and what they think.”
The new Leicester manager also revealed that Terry had already held a defensive meeting with the players, where he showed clips of Manchester City’s goals and highlighted how they could have been defended better.
“These are the small details that others can miss,” said Smith.
Wilfred Ndidi has not enjoyed the best of seasons, partly due to being injured and falling out of favour with former boss Brendan Rodgers.
The Nigerian international, previously considered an untouchable first-team member, has made only 21 EPL appearances for the Foxes, six of which have been as a substitute.
Leicester City are currently two points from safety and in worse form than the teams above the relegation zone, with eight games remaining. Smith, Terry, and Shakespeare will be looking to turn the team’s fortunes around as they face Manchester City away on Saturday.
