Leicester City's players have reportedly been left unconvinced by new head coach Steve Cooper so far this season.
The Foxes are looking to avoid an immediate return to the Championship, although their quest for success has not started smoothly in the East Midlands.
Cooper's troops have endured a five-game winless run at the start of their Premier League schedule, collecting only three points so far in 2024-25.
A 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend of the campaign represented a respectable start for Leicester, who were one of the pre-season favourites for the drop.
However, the Foxes have failed to impress since then, with their only normal-time victory this campaign coming against League Two Tranmere Rovers in the second round of the EFL Cup on August 27.
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Leicester players unconvinced by Cooper?
Still without a win in the Premier League, the second-tier champions are currently occupying 15th position in the Premier League table, two points ahead of 18th-placed Southampton.
A slow start has led to concerns inside the dressing room, according to Football Insider, with the first-team squad left unconvinced by Cooper's management style and methods so far.
It is understood that unrest started during pre-season over the 44-year-old's relaxed approach to coaching, especially when compared to predecessor Enzo Maresca.
Now in charge of Chelsea, the Italian demanded complete control over his Foxes squad, who were instructed on what to do in every single aspect of matches.
Cooper has taken a more hands-off approach, supposedly asking players for their input on tactics and signings during the summer transfer window.
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Poundland performance puts pressure on Cooper
Looking for their second win of the season, Leicester travelled to the Poundland Bescot Stadium on Tuesday night to face League Two side Walsall.
As expected - despite a raft of changes to their XI from the weekend - the Foxes dominated the ball, enjoying close to 75% possession versus the fourth-tier Saddlers.
However, Leicester lacked a continued threat to Walsall's net, managing just two shots on target over 90 minutes, with the visitors eventually winning 3-0 on penalties following a goalless draw in normal time.
A cheap performance at the Poundland-sponsored ground led to some negative chants directed as Cooper, while one away supporter invaded the pitch to berate the 44-year-old before being halted by a Walsall player.
Carter White
