How Leicester City could look if Russell Martin is appointed - 3 changes are likely to be made | OneFootball

Leicester City could look very different if Russell Martin is named as their new boss ahead of next season.

Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed on Sunday as their miserable season continued with a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.

It has been apparent for some time that the Foxes lacked the quality to stay in the top-flight, and the decision to replace Steve Cooper with Ruud van Nistelrooy is one that backfired.

Over the past few months, fan anger towards the board has increased, with supporters protesting against the owners and Jon Rudkin in recent games.

Leicester City could turn to Russell Martin for Championship promotion push

There are major doubts over the future of van Nistelrooy, and it has been claimed that ex-Southampton chief Russell Martin is among the contenders to take over if the Dutchman is sacked.

His potential appointment would no doubt divide the fan base, but Martin does have a promotion on his CV, whilst he has a clear style of play that could bring long-term success.

The 39-year-old has made it clear he won’t abandon those principles, so if he did take over, the club would have to back Martin to ensure his methods would work.

With that in mind, we look at THREE changes Martin would make…

Possession football returns

As outlined above, Martin has a clear philosophy, and he isn’t going to change away from that, despite Southampton’s struggles in the Premier League before his departure.

His entire approach is based on keeping the ball, which makes him similar to former boss Enzo Maresca in that sense.

The Leicester hierarchy were criticised for going from Maresca to Cooper, and you can understand why, as he was trying to change the style of play with a group that had been accustomed to the Italian’s methods.

Whilst Martin is very much his own man, like Maresca, he will want his side to build-up from deep, they will look to control the game by keeping the ball.

Harry Winks becomes a key player once again

Following on from that, Harry Winks could quickly become an influential figure once again under Martin.

The importance of the deep midfielder is crucial to Martin’s formation, and Winks has all the qualities to thrive in that role, especially in the Championship.

Obviously, the situation between Winks and the club is far from ideal now, amid reports that he has had a row with van Nistelrooy about his commute to training.

So, Martin must resolve that, but it may not be straightforward to move him on, as Winks will be a high earner and his performances this season won't exactly have attracted many suitors.

However, Winks was integral under Maresca, and he could become equally important under Martin, providing all the off-field issues are resolved, and he shows a commitment to playing for Leicester.

The academy plays a more prominent role

Martin’s philosophy requires a lot of buy-in from the players, and he has shown over the years that he will give younger players a chance if they are good enough.

The most obvious success story at Saints was Tyler Dibling, and Leicester will feel they have some quality youngsters who could thrive in the Championship.

Ben Nelson and Will Alves are currently on loan in the second tier, and 15-year-old Jeremy Monga has been getting some minutes in the Premier League.

Those three, and others, could have a more prominent role with Martin, and that’s something that the club will no doubt encourage as they look for a fresh start under the new management.