New Leicester boss keen to cause Chelsea 'a lot of trouble' as they look to outfox WSL rivals

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Progress takes many forms in football.

Although Leicester City finished 10th in the WSL last season and managed just four league wins last season, that is not the best indication of just how much they achieved last season.

Not only did they suffer managerial upheaval last season with the dismissal of Willie Kirk midway through the season, they also struggled with extensive injuries. 

But for a side who had been on the verge of relegation the season before, there was so much to be optimistic about – and fans will likely be focusing on their tremendous FA Cup run.

They made it to the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time ever, only to be knocked out cruelly in extra-time by Tottenham.

But as interim boss Jennifer Foster told talkSPORT at the time, the club are certain they will be back in contention for a trophy before long. 

Manager: Amandine Miquel

If Leicester have ever felt their achievement levels have been limited by the relatively smaller budget that they receive compared to some WSL clubs, then they may just have hit upon the perfect solution. 

Having guided French side Reims to promotion to the top flight and then a fourth place finish in the league the next term, Amandine Miquel knows how to get the best out of the resources in front of her.

And now the French manager has the chance to do just that again, here in the WSL as she inherits a Leicester side bursting with potential. 

A former Chelsea youth player, Miquel becomes the first permanent coach of the Foxes since the sacking of Kirk. 

And the 40-year-old has big ambitions indeed – she has even admitted to The Guardian that she wants to give fellow French boss Sonia Bompastor 'a lot of trouble' when she takes on Chelsea.

Bear in mind Leicester have never beaten Chelsea before so that would be a huge upset indeed. 

"Performing at the high level is one of the things I'm very good at and also making any player progress through a season," Miquel told the Official club website upon her arrival in England. "Finding the great, young players and then helping them to improve and perform is one of the best parts of the job. 

She added: "We'll be working as fast as we can and then the idea will be to go up in the table but for that we have to analyse and take time to see what our strong points and weak points are. 

"And for me, the thing that I really want to bring out of the players is to get the best out of every player and to work for the team and to bring the team higher and make the Club proud of the team."

Star player: Jutta Rantala

The team's Player of the Season and top goalscorer last year, Jutta Rantala took to life at Leicester like a duck to water. 

The Finnish striker scored 10 times in her first season – and her club debut was perhaps her standout performance, grabbing two goals and an assist as the club defeated Bristol City 4-2 on the opening day. 

And with the experience of 28 international caps at the age of 24, Rantala is likely to only get even better – especially under a manager who knows how to nurture young talent. 

After all, it was Miquel who spotted Haitian sensation Melchie Dumornay as a youngster – and she will no doubt be on the lookout for her next young protegee. 

One to watch: Janina Leitzig

Once called the best goalkeeper in the WSL, Leitzig's impact cannot be underestimated.

After all, it is hard to shine between the sticks for a side who do not typically have the best defensive record in the WSL.

When Leitzig joined Leicester in January 2023, they were on the verge of relegation and they had not won a single game all season. 

On Leitzig's debut, not only did Leicester win their first game of the season, they also kept a clean sheet.

They went on to win four games, and draw one more before the end of the season to keep themselves just about in the WSL. 

Leitzig struggled with injury last season – but fingers crossed for Foxes fans that she is back fighting fit this season and ready, because they look a far better side when she is at her best.