Keane believes wage rises have ‘destroyed’ Leicester

Matt Stead

Roy Keane says Leicester are in “big trouble”, and could be “destroyed” by the new contracts offered to players.

Just seven months after winning an historic Premier League title, Leicester now find themselves in a relegation battle.

The Foxes are just two points above the drop zone after 14 games, and suffered a 5-0 reverse at the hands of Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Claudio Ranieri fielded a weakened side with top spot in the group already assured, but Keane says the club are in huge danger.

“We’ve seen their players get rewarded with new contracts – financial rewards are fantastic – but that can destroy a club,” the former Manchester United midfielder told ITV.

“Too much money too soon for these players – and they just take their eye off the ball. They’re in big trouble.

“It’s a massive challenge for everyone at the club. They had all the plaudits last year, fantastic. Now they have to dig in and see what they’re really about.’

“There’s some huge issues. The warning signs have obviously been there for a few months with their league form.

“To me, the basic fact is they’ve lost their hunger they had last year. They’ve had a bit of success and it’s hard to be critical.

“But you look at their manager there who seems a very placid man and he looks really frustrated there. He must be scratching his head.

“The players are trying, I don’t think it’s a case of that. But the real desire not to get beaten has gone out of the window. We saw it last year whether it was set pieces or desire not to get beaten.

“Football is about good habits and they’ve lost track of what they’re about. Their DNA, work rate, it’s gone.

“Absolutely, they’re in a relegation scrap.”