Stephy Mavididi has asserted that Leicester City’s style of play under Steve Cooper closely resembles the approach from last season under Enzo Maresca.
Cooper was appointed as Leicester’s new head coach in June after Maresca departed to join Chelsea. The former Nottingham Forest manager has been working with his players in preparation for their return to the Premier League.
The Foxes showcased Cooper’s tactics in front of supporters for the first time during a 2-1 pre-season victory over League One side Shrewsbury Town, with goals from Stephy Mavididi and Kasey McAteer.
This match marked the public debut of Cooper’s strategies, following a behind-closed-doors game against Villarreal.
Post-match, Mavididi discussed how Cooper has made only minor adjustments to Leicester’s style of play, which had earned them the Championship title under Maresca’s slower tempo approach.
“It’s been good and enjoyable. He’s come in with his ideas,” Mavididi said. “We still want to play with what we showed last season, so now it’s just about working together, training every day, and listening to the gaffer.”
When asked about the differences between the two managers, he added, “It’s similar to what we were doing last season. Obviously, it’s still early days, and we need to work every day and listen to his ideas. There are a few tactical adjustments.”
Mavididi noted that the most significant change under Cooper involves more off-the-ball work due to the expectation of having less possession this season. “He’s a good communicator.
You get the message loud and clear. We’re trying to put together the plan that he’s showing us. We’re enjoying it, and we need to keep working to look forward to the first game of the season.”
