Ex-Leicester star shares what left Andy King ‘furious on the sideline’ in loss vs Charlton
Former Leicester City forward Matt Piper was not surprised by Andy King’s anger during his side’s defeat to Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
Leicester were beaten 2-0 by Charlton at the King Power Stadium, with Sonny Carey and Lyndon Dykes finding the net for the visitors.
The Foxes were hamstrung from the get-go, with Caleb Okoli dismissed after just 15 minutes when he brought down Miles Leaburn as the last man.
Leicester sacked Marti Cifuentes last week, with the process to replace the Spaniard currently ongoing.
King is set to lead Leicester for the time being, and the Premier League-winner would have hoped for a response from his players on Saturday.
Matt Piper spots Andy King fury
Okoli’s red card was a stunning moment of stupidity, which left King’s side with a mountain to climb.
It was the Italian’s misjudgement that allowed Leaburn to get in front of him in the first place, and the 24-year-old did not have the common sense to just let the striker go.
Leicester had their moments of response, but found themselves two goals behind as they walked into the dressing room for the break.
| Leicester City | Match stats | Charlton Athletic |
| 47% | Possession | 53% |
| 21 | Shots | 9 |
| 1 | On target | 5 |
| 1.92 | Expected goals (xG) | 1.40 |
| 6 | Corners | 2 |
The Foxes started the second half well, and won a penalty when Abdul Fatawu was fouled by Amari’i Bell inside the penalty area.
But in a moment that summed up Leicester, a nervous-looking Jordan Ayew stepped up and hit the outside of the post.
Commentating live on the game for BBC Radio Leicester, former Foxes winger Piper said: “Andy King looked furious on the sideline.
“I think he would be well within his rights at half-time to go in their and hold some players to account, kick a few bottles about while he is at it.
“Leicester have shown no passion or aggression in this game. I have heard more noise in the lockdown games we did, and I don’t expect anything from the crowd with this performance.”
Leicester City risk serious collapse
What will be so worrying for Leicester fans is that, almost a week on, decision-makers at the King Power Stadium do not appear to have settled on a favoured managerial candidate.
The bookies’ favourite, Russell Martin, does not exactly stoke confidence, either, considering the Englishman’s recent time with Rangers.
King has instead been left with a squad lacking in confidence and belief, and Saturday’s result will not have aided that.
Next, the Foxes will travel to take on Birmingham City at St Andrew’s – a game that, on paper, should be tight. That being the reality seems extremely doubtful.