They said that it was wishful thinking. They said that they would start falling away in the New Year.
The English Premier League is an unforgiving mechanism which showcases to the sporting world, the great divide between the supremely rich ‘have’s’, and the mediocrity of the ‘have not’s’. There is simply no room for sentiments, nor for romantically misplaced belief. Leicester City Football Club (LCFC) have just pulled off the mother of all heists by winning the Premier League – arguably the biggest sporting upset of the century. And I don’t use those words loosely.
There have been instances over the years (in various disciplines), where a figurative David has turned the tables on Goliath to upset the form cards. A classic case being, a young Boris Becker announcing his arrival on the world stage, winning Wimbledon in 1985. Just over a decade and a half later, wild card entrant Goran Ivanesevich set the grass court tournament alight going the full distance. I distinctly remember that pulsating final against Aussie Pat Rafter. The world of boxing went into shock in 1990 when little known James ‘Buster’ Douglas floored then reigning champion ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson who was at the height of his powers at the time.
All things considered I rate LCFC’s conquests as the greatest of all. Why? Firstly, in this modern professional era, big teams have deep pockets, bank rolled by business tycoons or giant conglomerates. Therefore the best players in the world are pocketed by them. Take for example, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and the two Manchester clubs, United, and City. Just look at the quality they have in their squads. They boast of a host of superstars such as the Messi’s, Ronaldo’s, and the Neymar’s of this world. They have expanded squads, better training facilities, and more money at their disposals should re-enforcements be needed during the transfer windows. The entire LCFC squad was assembled for less than GBP 40 million. Their striking linchpin Jamie Vardy was picked up for less than a million pounds from Fleetwood Town, and was playing non-league football for 30 pounds a week a few seasons ago. What a revelation he has been, with his form so exceptional that he has forced himself into England Manager Roy Hodgson’s Euro plans. Riyad Mahrez was named PFA, player of the year, and you could hardly dispute that pick. What a combination he’s formed with Vardy. Another unsung hero is little French midfielder N’golo Kante. There’s a saying in Leicester that 70% of the earth is covered by water, and the rest is covered by Kante. Pretty much sums up the kind of season the young intercept king has had. A huge chunk of credit must go to veteran Manager Claudio Ranieri. The ‘Tinkerman’ as he is known for his reputation to keep tinkering with his team line ups, inherited a side that just managed to evade the drop last season. Nigel Pearson was the man in charge last time around. Being poor for a greater part of the season, he managed to steer the ship to safety with a great run of results towards the tail end. Unfortunately, it was not good enough to save Pearson his job.
When Ranieri was unveiled as the new Manager in the summer, it was not a move embraced by all. The Italian has a CV of considerable managerial experience, in Italy, Spain, and in England. However, he was fresh from being shown the door by Greece for a poor run of results that culminated with a home lost to lowly ranked Faroe Islands. The English Premier League is as uncompromising as they come, not taking long for daggers to be drawn should results not go your way. However, the Italian has gone on to build a cohesive unit, strong in defense, and quick to pounce on the counter. They have taken their chances, especially when it mattered the most, which has seen them clinch the crown with a couple of games to spare.
The second, and most determining factor why I rate this sporting success above all else is that they’ve managed to maintain their prowess all season long. It was not just one bout, or a couple, or even a series. Thirty eight games in a season is a marathon, at the end of which, the most consistent and deserving winner is yielded. I saw an interesting statistic the other day. The wage bill of the more affluent clubs range around the 160 – 200 million pound mark. Leicester’s sat at an unflattering 30 million. To stay the course within such stringent means takes something truly special.
The mood in the East-midlands of England has been euphoric. Pundits have had to eat their words. None more so than Gary Linekar, a popular broadcaster who played for the Foxes during his heyday. In one of his shows, Linekar joked that he would present the ‘Match of the day’ football show in his underpants, should his old team win the premier league – never done before in their history. Who could begrudge him some cockiness, given that LCFC were 5000 – 1 outsiders? The joke is now squarely on him, with requests from far and wide, including from PM David Cameron himself, that he honours his promise. Interesting to see how that turns out.
I dare say, LCFC’s success is unlikely to ever be repeated. Which is all the more reason all sports lovers should revel in this occasion. It has given food for thought for all those around them. Flashing big bucks and stacking up on money grabbing mercenaries will only get you so far. Managers are feeling the heat – none more so than Arsene Wenger, whose charges saw a perfect opportunity slip away – again. Discontent is strife at the Emirates. I will be surprised not to see Wenger at the helm for next season. But if the Gunners fail to win either the premier league, or the champion’s league, I can’t see him retaining his position any longer. The fans simply would not have it. Tottenham Hotspur have hit a purple patch under Mauricio Pochettino. They have pushed Leicester all the way. With Harry Kane continuing to developing as a lethal striker, they will be a front runner challenging for honours next season. Jurgen Klopp has had a massive influence on Liverpool. It will be interesting to see what investment he makes in the summer. Don’t be surprised to see an infusion of German players. They have progressed well under him, and come next season they will be a much bigger threat. Chelsea Football Club seems to be in a bit of a quagmire. It’s uncertain if the likes of Eden Hazard will stay. In coming Manager Antonio Conte is not the most popular choice. They have an aging Captain in John Terry who badly needs to see younger resources added. Owner Roman Abramovich does not tolerate failure. After all he fired the best Manager in football. Speaking of which, Jose Mourinho continues to be strongly linked with the United job for next season. With Pep Guardiola taking over at Man City, one felt that the red side of Manchester will counter that with pulling the Jose rabbit out of the hat. If the board really are planning that coup, they have done well to keep their cards close to their chest.
While there’s still some business to be done over the next couple of weeks, and not to mention the small matter of the FA cup, lets solute the new champions of England. All hail Claudio. All hail Leicester City Football Club…you sly foxes, you…
