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Exclusive: Ahmed Musa Calls for Strict Leadership to Save Leicester

Leicester City's struggles continue in the Premier League, with six consecutive defeats. Ahmed Musa, a former player, offers insights on the team's issues, highlighting the need for unity, leadership, and belief in turning things around. Fans hope new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy can save the team from relegation, but it will require defensive stability and mental toughness.

Gbemidepo Popoola
G. Popoola

Last Updated: 2025-01-17

Louis Hobbs

4 minutes read

Ahmed Musa, Leicester City

Leicester City’s return to the Premier League was meant to be a fresh start, but instead, it has turned into a season of frustration and instability. 

Despite managerial changes, including the recent appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Foxes remain in a downward spiral, suffering six consecutive league defeats. The club finds itself dangerously close to the relegation zone, with confidence at an all-time low.  

As a former Leicester City player, Ahmed Musa knows all about the highs and lows of the club. Having experienced the challenges of English football firsthand, he offers exclusive insights into Leicester’s struggles, the role of leadership in difficult times, and what it might take to turn things around.  

“Leicester’s Struggles Are More Than Just Tactics”

Leicester City’s inconsistency this season has baffled fans and analysts alike. From thrilling victories to shocking collapses, the Foxes have been unable to maintain momentum. Ahmed Musa, who played for the club during their Premier League days, believes the issues run deeper than just tactics.  

"Leicester has always been a club that thrives on unity and hard work. When I was there, even during tough periods, we knew how to fight as a team. Right now, I don’t see that same spirit," Musa told SportsBoom.com. 

When asked about the factors behind the team’s inconsistency, Musa highlights a mix of squad mentality, lack of experience at key moments, and an unsettled system.  

"You can change managers, but if the players don’t take responsibility on the pitch, things won’t change. I think the squad has quality, but they need to believe in themselves and stick together. That’s what got Leicester through tough times before."

Does Leicester Lack Strong Dressing Room Presence?

Leicester City still has experienced players like Jamie Vardy in the squad, but does the team lack strong leadership in the dressing room? Musa, who has captained both club and country, believes leadership is key in difficult times.  

"When a team is struggling, you need leaders who will take charge both on and off the pitch. At Leicester, we had senior players who kept the dressing room strong. Right now, I don’t see enough of that,” Musa explains.  

He points to a lack of vocal presence and accountability among the squad.  

"Vardy is still there, and he’s a leader in his own way, but leadership isn’t just about scoring goals. It’s about lifting your teammates when things aren’t going well. Leicester needs more players who will demand better from each other."

Van Nistelrooy’s Impact – Can He Save Leicester?

Since arriving at the club, Ruud van Nistelrooy has had mixed results. A promising home debut win raised hopes, but subsequent losses have left fans questioning whether he can steady the ship. Musa believes the Dutchman has made an impact but needs more time.  

"Van Nistelrooy was a great player, and I think he has the right mentality for a team like Leicester. You can see he’s trying to change things, but football isn’t instant. The players need to buy into his ideas completely," Musa says.  

When asked if Van Nistelrooy’s style suits Leicester, Musa remains cautiously optimistic.  

"He wants the team to play with intensity and confidence, but that takes time to build. Right now, the biggest issue is belief. If he can restore confidence in the squad, results will follow."

Can Leicester Avoid Relegation? Musa Gives His Verdict

With six straight losses in the league, Leicester’s survival hopes look bleak. So, can they still escape relegation?  

"It won’t be easy, but it’s possible," Musa insists.  

He points out that small changes can make a big difference at this stage of the season.  

"First, they need to stop making simple mistakes. The defensive errors have cost them points. Second, they need to fight for every single game like it’s a final. Survival isn’t about playing pretty football – it’s about grinding out results."

As for what Van Nistelrooy must prioritize, Musa has clear advice.  

"He must focus on defensive stability and mental toughness. If Leicester can become harder to beat, they will have a chance to turn things around."

Final Words: A Call to Fight

Ahmed Musa leaves Leicester City fans with a message of hope, but also a challenge to the players.  

"This club has been through tough times before, and they survived. It’s about fighting together and believing until the last day. I hope Leicester can rise again."

With a crucial run of games ahead, the Foxes must rediscover their resilience. Whether Van Nistelrooy can guide them to safety remains to be seen, but as Musa emphasises, the fight isn’t over yet.

Gbemidepo Popoola
Gbemidepo PopoolaSports Writer

Gbemidepo Popoola, is a freelance Sport Journalist with multiple years of experience in Writing, Reportage and Broadcasting. Gbemidepo's major concentration is telling the local Nigerian Sporting stories, in its own Unique way. This is because he believes, "no one, can tell our story better than ourselves".

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