Claude Puel calls for perspective at Leicester and defends record as boss

A five-match winless run has the Frenchman under pressure at the King Power

Puel has defended his record at Leicester (AFP/Getty Images)

Claude Puel has defended his record as Leicester manager amid the club's underwhelming finish to the season.

The Frenchman, who replaced Craig Shakespeare in October, quickly steered Leicester clear of relegation and the 2016 Premier League champions were eyeing European qualification again up until last month.

However, a five-match winless run which includes four defeats has scuppered any chances of finishing seventh in the Premier League table and winning a place in the Europa League.

With only two wins in 12 Premier League games, Puel's position has come under scrutiny recently, although he did receive the backing of the club's owners ahead of Saturday's 2-0 home loss to West Ham, during which some fans turned on the manager for the first time.

Ahead of Wednesday night's clash against Arsenal at the King Power Stadium, Pule said: "We need perspective because we will finish in the middle of the table. A lot of teams would like to finish in our position.

"After we know we need to work and look forward to a full pre-season with the possibility to strengthen our squad for next season.

"Last season I finished eighth in the table and reached a cup final (with Southampton). This season we could finish ninth, 10th or eighth I hope, without the possibility to work in pre-season or having a full transfer window.

"We have tried to develop some young players and lay a foundation. I am looking forward and all this work is to maintain the way and then next season to have a pre-season to work with all the squad and build the squad.

Puel is under pressure at Leicester (Reuters)

"It is not possible in six months to have all the possibility to perform like a great team. We have to work together with patience and we can build something strong for the future.

"We need stability for the future for next season and the seasons beyond. If we finish mid-table it is not bad because it has been a tough season. We had difficulties in the beginning and now at the end we have difficulties to manage."