Less than a month ago, Leicester City were spiraling out of control. They sat just a single point above the relegation zone and had just suffered a first leg defeat in the Champions League against Sevilla.
On February 23, the Foxes shocked the sporting world by sacking manager Claudio Ranieri, who had guided them to their unexpected Premier League triumph. The move was highly criticized at the time by many, including myself. Ranieri was replaced by his assistant Craig Shakespeare.
Shakespeare, who has been at the club since 2011, is a very popular guy and had already won over the dressing room before even stepping in as caretaker manager. In his first game, Leicester shocked Liverpool 3-1 behind a brace from Jamie Vardy, who had been out of form all season. “Shakes [Shakespeare], before the game, just told me to play a lot higher especially in areas where we could hurt them,” Vardy said after the match.
Another 3-1 win in the league vs Hull City saw Shakespeare be named full time manager. However, his biggest achievement occurred Tuesday as he saved the Foxes’ Champions League season. Leicester’s unexpected 2-0 win and subsequent advance to the quarterfinals has the Shakespeare train running full steam ahead.
Shakespeare has watched this team rise from third tier of English football to the pinnacle, Premier League Champions. He knows how to get the best out of his players. Whether its Vardy, who looks rejuvenated and dangerous, or any of the other players, he has brought the best out of them.
Leicester are playing the best they have all season under their new man, but surely they don’t have enough magic leftover from last season to do the unthinkable in Europe. With these Foxes, you never know, and they are thriving under the guidance of Craig Shakespeare.
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