“Leicester City’s DESPERATE Fight to Reclaim Their LOST GLORY Will Leave You Speechless!”
James Justin Reflects on Leicester City's Mentality During Opening Week of Pre-Season
Leicester City defender James Justin has drawn a line under last season’s disappointment and is approaching the new Sky Bet Championship campaign with renewed determination after a much-needed “summer reset.”
Speaking to the club’s official website, the 27-year-old shared insights into his mindset and preparations as he and his teammates gear up for a fresh start following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
Justin returned to the club’s Seagrave training base on Monday, joining the bulk of the squad as they began pre-season training.
Leicester described the occasion as an “opportunity to come together as a group and show the commitment required to right the wrongs from last term.”
While some players are still away on international duty, the majority of the squad have reported back and are building towards their first pre-season fixture—a clash with Peterborough United scheduled for Saturday.
Justin was a regular presence for the Foxes in the top flight last season, racking up 2,920 minutes.
He contributed two goals and two assists, alongside 58 tackles and 46 interceptions, but those efforts couldn’t prevent Leicester’s drop to the Championship.
The club’s underperformance ultimately led to the departure of head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy by mutual consent, and a managerial search is now underway.
Reflecting on the previous season and looking ahead with optimism, Justin said: “We’ve been in a similar position before, and there’s a familiar feeling around the dressing room.
There’s a shared hunger to deliver a strong campaign and return Leicester to where we belong.
“This pre-season is about rebuilding our togetherness and intensity—those have been key themes. It’s not just about physical training but the energy and unity we bring into every part of what we do.”
Justin also spoke of how time with loved ones during the off-season helped him reset: “It’s always good to take a break—especially after a tough year.
At first, it’s nice to step away and unwind with friends and family, but soon enough you’re putting in the work again ahead of pre-season.”
Eager to make a statement, he added: “You want to show your teammates and the staff how seriously you’ve taken the off-season. There’s pride in coming back sharper and stronger.”
He concluded: “We’re around each other more than we are with our families during the season.
Then the summer comes, and there’s a bit of silence while everyone mentally resets. But now, we’re all ready to go again.”
