Between 1997 and 2000 then Leicester City manager Martin O’Neil masterminded the Foxes journey to three League Cup finals in four years, winning two. It was a triumphant era for the club as they finished in the top half of the Premier League four years in a row upon their promotion from the championship. But during the mid-2000s Leicester City slipped back down the divisions, and it appeared the Irishman’s hard work had been spoiled. Everyone is aware of their return to the top-flight, great escape and then title win, but a repeat of their cup wins at the turn of the millennium would prove the side today are no one-hit wonders.
Fellow Irish manager Brendan Rodgers task is to make sure that the success they are having at the moment is sustained. The Foxes currently look a sure bet to secure Champions League football for the second time in their history next season, as they sit 14 points clear of the Europa League places. Still, the distractions of Europe are what ultimately led to Claudio Ranieri losing his job after winning the title. Leicester City were one point above the relegation zone with 13 games remaining but made it to the quarter-final of the Champions League as they put all their focus on the more glamorous competition.
Leicester City face Aston Villa in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final this evening. If Rodger can win the competition, it would go a long way to suggesting his side will be able to fight on both fronts next season comfortably. Furthermore, another trophy in the cabinet for his transitioning squad of players would give them belief that they can achieve their long-term ambition of eventually securing an established place in the Premier League’s top six. At the very least a League Cup triumph would be excellent practice for the abundance of knockout football they will be undertaking next term.
The Carabao Cup is by no means the end goal for Leicester City, as it was back in 2000. There was no more they could do after gaining entry to the UEFA Cup as the previous group of players, manager and board did not have the ambition to match Rodgers current crop. But now with the resources from a Premier League title success, the Foxes find themselves in a position where they can prove they are no one-hit wonders and progress to the next level in their plans to establish themselves as one of England’s leading clubs.
