Yahoo News What Graham Potter has already said about Jamie Vardy and Leicester City
Graham Potter would be managing a “master of his craft” in Jamie Vardy if he takes the reins at Leicester City.
Potter is a contender to be Enzo Maresca’s successor at the King Power Stadium, alongside Carlos Corberan and Steve Cooper. City’s hierarchy have been fans of the former Brighton and Chelsea boss for some time, and may now be able to convince him to join.
It was during his time in charge of the Seagulls that Potter caught their attention. City played eight games against Potter’s Brighton, winning three out of six in the Premier League and triumphing both times in their two cup encounters.
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Vardy scored in three of those eight matches and was often the player making the headlines. Having signed a new one-year deal at the club, he will be available to Potter if he takes over at City. Given his previous comments, Potter will be happy to have the 37-year-old in his squad.
“He has been one of the best there is, a Premier League winner,” Potter said of Vardy a few years ago. “Jamie is a master in his movement, a master of his craft, lethal in the box. His movement in behind is so clever, he’s tactically really intelligent. He’s had an amazing career and is still performing at the highest level.”
But Potter was always keen to emphasise that a lot of Vardy’s success comes from those who play in support of him. He was quick to shut down the notion of City being a one-man team.
“It’s too simplistic to say that. They’ve got fantastic players, although of course, Jamie is a Premier League legend. That’s fair to say. The way Leicester play, it’s a team effort and there’s a team function where they have got players that can score from all over the pitch. We know that it’s not just a one-man show, that’s for sure.
“I think he will also admit that he has good support from the attacking players around him, (James) Maddison, Harvey Barnes, (Marc) Albrighton – again, a Premier League winner. So they have a nice attacking balance and the midfield support it well.”
During Potter’s spell at Brighton, City twice finished fifth in the Premier League under Brendan Rodgers and lifted the FA Cup, beating the Seagulls on their way to the trophy. Potter always held the club in high regard.
He said: “We have a lot of respect for Leicester City as a football club and what they’ve achieved, and how they’ve achieved it, is really impressive. Everyone speaks highly of Leicester City and what they achieve as a club and what they do, and we are no different. The way they work, they are a fantastic club.”
