Leicester City's players react at the end of the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and West Ham United at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on May 28, 2023. - Leicester City wins 2 - 1 against West Ham United, but gets relegated from the Premier League. (Photo by DARREN STAPLES / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES. AN ADDITIONAL 40 IMAGES MAY BE USED IN EXTRA TIME. NO VIDEO EMULATION. SOCIAL MEDIA IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES. AN ADDITIONAL 40 IMAGES MAY BE USED IN EXTRA TIME. NO USE IN BETTING PUBLICATIONS, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
What happened in Leicester City’s King Power Stadium dressing room immediately after the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League in spite of defeating West Ham United.
Thanks to the help of BBC Sport via Leicestershire Live, we now know the actual feeling in the LCFC camp following relegation. Please read the Jonny Evans quote below:
“It’s tough to take. We knew going into the weekend that we had to win our game and hope things went our way, but it wasn’t to be.
“There was silence (in the dressing room) for a long time. We know there’s going to be a lot of changes as there are a lot of players out of contract.
“It was an opportunity for everyone to say goodbye really. A lot of us don’t know where we’re going to end up. It was more just dealing with that really and wishing everyone all of the best.
“It’s hard to know how people are feeling inside and how they feel about the situation. That’s (players’ contracts) something for the club to think about. It shouldn’t be (a problem), if you’re under contract and you’re playing.
“I think everyone competed the best they could. As captain, you’re always looking for new things. Is the commitment there? You make sure the boys are always firing and giving everything, and from a personal experience, I felt that was there all season.”
As is typical with the modern professional footballer, Harvey Barnes was thinking about jumping ship as Leicester City sank
I do give Barnes partial credit this season: his numbers disguise his many shortcomings and he scored another well-taken goal versus the Hammers. Nevertheless, I believe that he and other so-called Leicester stars such as James Maddison – certainly towards the latter part of the campaign – Jamie Vardy, Wilfred Ndidi, Youri Tielemans and Timothy Castagne were not good enough throughout the season to justify their everlasting praise. Neither do any of them seem to be up to the standard of a big six club; apart from Maddison, possibly, if his attitude is consistent. Vardy wouldn’t expect that call at his age, either.
Regarding Barnes, he was said to be plotting leaving for quite a while. Basically for the entirety of the term. In spite of decent goal contribution statistics, his absent defensive help, weakness on the ball and massively inconsistent finishing will likely prevent huge outfits from bidding. He may get his opportunity at newly wealthy Newcastle United. Maddison is obviously the actual marquee sale the east Midlands team planned; they usually sell one standout per year.
Before the Foxes were actually demoted to the Championship, the academy graduate was apparently choosing his next side. Surely this takes away some focus which should be concentrated on keeping his boyhood club in the elite division?! Instead, Barnes was supposedly eyeing up a move to the Magpies. I am aware that everyone wants to protect their livelihood and try to better themself. However, I think some Leicester personnel were not as committed as they could have been.
To be fair, Barnes earned himself the chance to stay in the EPL. But wouldn’t it be great if he and others like ‘Madders’ decided to remain with Leicester City and helped get us back to where we belong. Wishful thinking. The pair are too good for the Championship, as many people have said. Yet their careers are not all that matters.
