[Getty Images]
BBC Sport invited Leicester City fans to voice their thoughts on the team’s chances of avoiding relegation to League One this season.
The aim was to identify any optimistic supporters, and while some hold on to hope, the predominant sentiment is one of despair.
Below, we present a selection of their responses.
Aryan: It feels like we’re walking back from the game in silence; no arguments anymore, just sighs and shrugs. When we concede, it doesn’t even shock us – it feels expected, like spilling a drink on the way home. The same errors, the same faces looking down, routine applause for the fans that seems automatic. It’s no longer about bad luck; it feels justified. And that’s the worst part—when a team reaches this point, they stop fighting against relegation and begin to accept it.
Paul: Until it’s officially impossible, there’s always a chance. That said, there’s been a shocking lack of heart and drive from our overpaid players this season, so why would that change now? As the Scottish character from Dad’s Army would say, we’re doomed!
John: During our 5,000-1 victory, we had players willing to give everything for a result. This current squad? They wouldn’t even charge through a paper wall—it’s only a 50/50 at best. One win out of 16 matches means we need to win at least three out of the last four to stand a chance of survival. Que sera, sera. Whatever will be will be. It seems we’re headed for the Pi-rell-eee. Que sera, sera.
Michael: Our situation can be summed up as being trapped in a snake’s coils. We struggle and think we might escape, but deep down, we know we’re destined to be swallowed whole.
Mark: I have lost all hope; this has been on the horizon for a while. This would mark our third relegation in four years. Questions need to be raised about the management and ownership—how did we fall so far, so quickly? Why are they breaching financial rules and left with such a spineless, uninspiring team? The disconnect with the now fractured, divided fanbase is palpable. Are the owners and board even aware of how dire things are, how disenchanted many fans feel, and how rapidly this situation could deteriorate? We once inspired dreams, but that dream has swiftly turned into a nightmare with no respite in sight.
Gary: Will Leicester go down? Absolutely, yes. After years of poor management and unfortunate player recruitment, we’ve arrived at this point. However, it’s not as numbing as 2008 was. Having followed football for years, I’m optimistic we can rebuild. Teams like Coventry and Sunderland remind us that fortunes can change quickly. The painful part of this relegation is how it has come about—players, many of whom are internationals, have not displayed the professionalism to compete. One can excuse a poor team because they simply are not good enough. But this Leicester team is profoundly underwhelming compared to those from a decade ago.
Padraig: There’s mismanagement at every level. Recruitment has been catastrophic, and the players seem demotivated. It doesn’t get worse than this. A new owner and a complete overhaul of the executive committee and team are essential. The ineptitude displayed at every level is scandalous. Relegation feels inevitable with the lack of spirit shown by these players.
Richard: Many issues plague the club, but our offensive line has been the Achilles’ heel this season. We’ve had a dire lack of scoring, and it’s tough to win matches when you can’t hit the back of the net. Why didn’t the club address this after Jamie Vardy’s departure in the summer? They had another chance in January, but again they did nothing, likely due to PSR. After failing to beat Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea, I’m doubtful we’ll win another game, and I’m resigned to the fact we’re going down.
Martin: Things do not look promising, do they? We’re struggling to score on one end while conceding on the other. The toxic atmosphere at the King Power Stadium certainly doesn’t contribute to a home advantage. I think we’ll find it easier to earn points on the road.
Ben: Relegation FIGHT. The clue is in the name. Have you seen any fight from this club in the past four years? This will be the third relegation in four years, with not a hint of real determination!
Ric: We’ve survived before in 2014; why can’t we do it again? Foxes never quit.
Alex: Let’s not forget our great escape; we won seven out of our last nine games. If we can win three of our remaining four, we still have a chance. Plus, a fox is much craftier than a bull…
Tom: I believe we’ll beat Portsmouth and that we will stay up. Honestly.
Stephen: It pains me to see my team in such trouble. I don’t subscribe to the belief that “the players don’t care or try.” If that were true, how could they expect to secure contracts elsewhere? There are many talented players out there, all dreaming of a shot in the Premier League, and our past Premier League status affords us no guarantees for immediate promotion. I lean towards optimism, and with our injured players gradually returning, I hold out hope for our survival – but the pressure is mounting.