Maresca was asked if recent news about the club has increased the pressure on him and the players to earn promotion at the end of the season.
In an interview with BBC Radio Leicester, Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca stated that he and his team do not feel any additional pressure to earn promotion now that the club is mired in financial fair play difficulties.
The Foxes had appeared to be on track to win the Championship crown handily, but recent results and the great form of those around them have reduced their lead to just three points over Ipswich Town, who are third.
Leicester may have a game in hand over Leeds United following the Whites’ triumph last night, but Maresca’s team will not have it easy in the remaining few months of the 2023/24 season.
After being in such a comfortable position, the Foxes will be under enormous pressure to preserve and extend their lead at the top of the division, but they face some challenging games before the season concludes.
They face Hull City away this afternoon, which will be difficult, especially after Liam Rosenior’s team won the previous game.
They also play Southampton and West Bromwich Albion between April 20th and 23rd. Although both games will be played at home, the Foxes will face a difficult assignment in securing six points from six.
Maresca on promotion amid Leicester City’s FFP concerns: “I don’t have the feeling now that it is more important”
Off-field conjecture may not assist their cause, with Leicester facing a possible points deduction next season for a financial fair play violation if promoted to the Premier League.
A stay in the Championship could be even worse for the Foxes, not only because it would result in less revenue from broadcasting, but also because they would begin a second-tier season with a points deduction, which could be detrimental to their future.
But Maresca isn’t under any extra pressure to advance because of it, saying in a recent news conference: “We’ve always believed getting promoted was vital, and it still is.
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen tomorrow or next week, but I don’t think it’s more significant right now.
“At the same time, we don’t like the investigation, but we only have 10 games left, which is the most important thing for us – for the players, the staff, the club, and everyone.
“We have to be focused on this moment.”
The pressure on Leicester City has only risen amid off-field speculation.
Remaining in the second tier could be disastrous for Leicester due to a potential financial regulation violation.
A points deduction might jeopardize any future promotion effort, and if they stay in the second division, it’s hard to imagine their squad being as formidable as it has been this season.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and other key players may leave if they remain in their current division, therefore earning promotion could be critical.
Even if they earn promotion and face a points deduction for the next season, the Foxes are likely to accept this scenario.
Promotion is crucial.
