Maresca: Fixture Release Sharpens The Focus

- Leicester City's 2023/24 season begins against Coventry City in August
- The Foxes will be bidding for an immediate return for the Premier League
- Manager Enzo Maresca has stressed the importance of building the 'right mentality'
- He is also looking forward to sampling the King Power Stadium atmosphere

The Italian was confirmed as the 50th man to lead the Foxes on a full-time basis earlier this month and their target is clear – a swift return to the Premier League. Leicester's new campaign will begin with a home M69 derby clash against Coventry City ahead of Huddersfield Town away. 

With the squad set to return for pre-season in early July, ahead of a programme of friendlies at home and abroad, Maresca is eager to get to work and create a 'winning mindset' throughout Leicester City.

Speaking on Thursday, the former Juventus and Palermo midfielder said: “I’m incredibly excited about the new season as Manager of Leicester City, and the release of the fixtures for the new Championship campaign will sharpen the focus of everyone on what will be an important period ahead.

“I’m very excited to come in and work with this group of players during our pre-season campaign and I’m sure everyone; players, staff and supporters alike, are keen to see what the season will bring.

“Each individual fixture will present a different challenge, so for now, one of the most crucial aspects will be to cultivate the right mentality within the team as we approach these games. We can do that with hard work on the training field, belief in our methods and building a winning mindset throughout the entire Club.”

Maresca, 43, has no doubt that the new campaign will bring challenges, but the Pontecagnano-born Manager believes creating a sense of unity and unwavering determination will help City navigate the season.

He added: “Of course, when I saw the fixtures, my eyes immediately looked for our opening home league game at King Power Stadium against Coventry City, where we will have the opportunity to play in front of Leicester City fans. For me as manager, it will be a fantastic moment to experience the atmosphere at home.

“I would also like to take this moment to express my sincere gratitude to the fans for the wonderful support I have received since my appointment last week and I look forward to meeting as many of them as possible over the coming months. Their unwavering dedication to their team is inspiring and they will be an integral part of the success we aim to achieve this season. 

“This new season is one that we must approach with determination and unity. There will be challenges ahead of us in what is a highly competitive Championship full of experienced sides battling hard, but I have complete faith in our team, and I am confident that together, we can overcome those obstacles.”