Leicester City Prepares for Departure as Steve Cooper Plans Squad Reduction

Leicester City’s preparations for the upcoming Premier League season are intensifying this week with a week-long training camp in France.

The squad will depart for Evian-les-Bains, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, on Monday. This trip serves dual purposes: enhancing the players’ fitness amidst the backdrop of the Alps and allowing new manager Steve Cooper a closer assessment of his squad as he formulates plans for the season ahead.

Evian-les-Bains, located on the France-Switzerland border, has been a familiar pre-season destination for Leicester City, previously visited under Brendan Rodgers’ tenure two years ago.

During their stay, the team will engage in a week of rigorous training sessions, culminating in friendly matches against other teams training in the region, including La Liga side Villarreal.

The players selected for the Evian trip will provide insights into Cooper’s squad preferences, particularly highlighting young talents. During the initial stages of pre-season, promising youngsters such as Will Alves, Sammy Braybrooke, Logan Briggs, and Silko Thomas featured prominently alongside senior players, aiming to impress and secure their places in the first team.

Cooper’s squad is rapidly expanding. Starting with 24 players in senior training last week, recent additions include Caleb Okoli from Atalanta and the return of Wilfred Ndidi after signing a new contract.

Additionally, midfielder Brandon Cover has been promoted from the development squad, having made his senior debut last season and demonstrated versatility in midfield roles akin to Ricardo Pereira’s adaptability.

With potential arrivals like Abdul Fatawu and internationals Mads Hermansen, Jannik Vestergaard, Wout Faes, Victor Kristiansen, and Bobby De Cordova-Reid yet to integrate fully, Cooper’s pool of available players could reach 33, pending further adjustments.

The manager faces the task of balancing squad numbers while seeking new signings, particularly in the attacking midfield department.

For newcomers like Okoli and Michael Golding, the Evian camp presents an invaluable opportunity to integrate within the team and foster camaraderie. Defender Conor Coady emphasized the significance of the camp, acknowledging its challenges amidst the demanding pre-season regimen.

“Evian presents its challenges due to the intensity of pre-season training,” Coady remarked ahead of departure. “As athletes, we understand and embrace these challenges. Personally, I relish the opportunity each year.”