Leicester City are struggling defensively, and their susceptibility on the right side has sparked significant concern, particularly with James Justin coming under heavy scrutiny for his performances. The team’s ongoing issues in shipping goals have raised questions about their defensive cohesion, making it a crucial talking point as they prepare for upcoming matches. With the pressure mounting, the Foxes will need to address these vulnerabilities swiftly to turn their fortunes around and strengthen their backline.
Leicester City’s struggles on the right flank have become a pressing issue, prompting a call for collective improvement rather than singling out individual players, as emphasized by manager Steve Cooper. The pattern of conceding goals from this side has been a hot topic among supporters, many of whom have directed their criticism toward regular right-back James Justin. Despite starting every Premier League match except for last week’s loss to Nottingham Forest, Justin may find himself shifting back to his usual position as Victor Kristiansen seeks to return at left-back. This tactical adjustment could be crucial for stabilizing Leicester’s defense as they aim to rectify their vulnerabilities.
For Steve Cooper, addressing Leicester City’s right flank vulnerabilities is a collective effort, not solely the responsibility of James Justin. The England international carries a significant workload as an advanced full-back, tasked with supporting the attack while remaining defensively alert against counterattacks. This dual role has left him exposed at times, particularly in matches against Fulham and Southampton where he faced numerical disadvantages.
Cooper stressed that the issue goes beyond just one player, stating, “If we’re talking about the right-hand side and conceding goals, I don’t think we should just talk about JJ. He’s obviously involved, but he’s not the only one who defends that side of the pitch. There are centre-backs, midfielders, and even attacking players contributing to the defensive responsibilities.” This highlights the need for a unified approach from the entire team to effectively tackle their defensive struggles and improve overall performance.
Cooper emphasized the importance of teamwork in addressing defensive shortcomings: “We have to cover the work, with and without the ball, for every position and every area of the pitch. That’s the challenge and job, if you like. It’s a team thing.”
He acknowledged that discussions may shift week by week, focusing on different positive or negative aspects of the team’s performance. “I’m sure next week there’ll be different topics that are positive and negative. We’ve just got to keep working collectively, keep believing in what we’re doing, and growing the way we want to grow.” This approach reflects Cooper’s commitment to fostering unity and resilience within the squad as they strive to improve their results.
Cooper faces a pivotal decision regarding his full-back setup for Saturday’s clash. With Kristiansen back from a groin issue, he could resume his partnership with Justin, who typically occupies the right side. However, fans may be eager to see Ricardo Pereira feature again after his first Premier League appearance of the season against Nottingham Forest.
In that match, Cooper adjusted the formation, employing Ricardo in a midfield role, reminiscent of tactics used last season by Enzo Maresca. If Ricardo is omitted again, the team is likely to revert to Cooper’s usual system, which involves one full-back pushing high to support the attack as a winger.
Given Justin’s extensive playing time—more minutes than any other City player this season—it’s unlikely he will be the one to make way. With the stakes high and defensive vulnerabilities under scrutiny, how Cooper balances experience and tactical flexibility will be crucial for the team’s performance against Ipswich Town.