Leicester City's difficult start to the League One season has intensified pressure on manager Russell Martin. The Foxes sit 21st in the table with just two points from three games, following a draw at Notts County and a 2-1 home defeat to Burton Albion, as reported by the BBC this week.
Their form is a stark contrast to the club's recent history, which includes a Premier League title in 2016 and an FA Cup win in 2021. Since that remarkable top-flight triumph, Leicester have suffered three relegations. They dropped out of the Championship last season, finishing 23rd and five points from safety, before receiving a six-point deduction for financial breaches. The club's accounts revealed losses nearing £100 million in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
What is the current state of the team?
Leicester's on-field issues are clear. They have won only one of their last 11 league matches. In the recent loss to Burton, they had 73% possession but still conceded twice, with Oliver Skipp sent off. So far this season, they have scored just two goals and conceded three, leaving them with a negative goal difference. They are already five points behind early leaders Blackpool. You can track their progress on our standings page.
Fans are concerned the squad lacks the fight needed for a League One battle. "I worry that it's a team that doesn't look as if it's got enough fight in it for a League One battle," said Phil Holloway from Leicester Fan TV. Support is also wavering for Martin's possession-based philosophy. Lynn Wyeth of the Foxes Trust stated, "We're not particularly enamoured with the 'tippy tappy' passing football."
Who is manager Russell Martin?
The 40-year-old manager was appointed in June on a three-year contract, 16 days after a match marking 10 years since the club's Premier League title. Martin began his managerial career at MK Dons and led Southampton to Premier League promotion via the play-offs in May 2024. However, his subsequent record is mixed; he won just two league games in charge of Southampton and Rangers, with his stint at Ibrox lasting only 123 days before a sacking in October 2025. His only Scottish Premiership win came with an added-time goal against Livingston.
What is happening with the club's ownership?
Off the pitch, the club's future is uncertain. Thai owners King Power, who have held the club for 16 years, are now seeking a sale. An eight-page sales booklet has been produced to attract potential buyers. This search for new investment comes amid a significant squad overhaul. Key sales this summer included Abdul Fatawu to Ipswich Town and 17-year-old Jeremy Monga to Manchester City. The latest arrival is 19-year-old Finnish defender Ilari Kangasniemi, a six-foot-six centre-back.
What comes next for Leicester?
The immediate focus returns to the pitch. Leicester's next opportunity to climb the table is a home match against Oxford United on September 5th. Oxford currently sit 8th, presenting another tough test. Fans can view the full schedule on our fixtures page. The club has not played in the third tier since 2009, and halting this slide down the leagues is the urgent task facing Russell Martin and his squad.
