Bobby De Cordova-Reid asks Steve Cooper as he anticipates Enzo Maresca’s switch

Leicester City must embrace Steve Cooper’s vision as he makes changes from Enzo Maresca’s philosophy, new signing Bobby De Cordova-Reid has said.

The Jamaican striker joined on a free transfer from Fulham, signing a three-year deal and becoming the first new signing under Cooper. He walks into a City side hoping to survive in the Premier League after promotion and has experience in such a scenario.

De Cordova-Reid was promoted twice with Fulham and although they went straight down the first time, they have stayed up since, finishing well clear of the relegation zone twice. City will hope to follow in their footsteps.

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But the key to success is making sure everyone is on the same page under Cooper. De Cordova-Reid, after speaking to Cooper, expects changes to the way City have played under Maresca and wants his team-mates to be on board with the new manager’s ideas.

The 31-year-old told the club: “I had a good chat with the manager, he told me the vision of the club and he sold it to me. I talked to him a few times and it was very clear to me what he wanted and what he saw in me. He believes in me and is a perfect fit. It will be a very interesting season.

“We have to stick together as a team. There will be times when there will be ups and downs and we have to understand that the downs won’t last that long if we keep doing the right things and be consistent in what we do.

“We have to follow the manager’s way of playing. Everyone has to buy into his philosophy, it will be a change from the previous manager. From what I can see, from what I can see, there’s a good group of lads here who are willing to learn and keen to put the manager’s methods into practice.”

De Cordova-Reid looks to bring experience and goals to City’s attack. Playing on the wing, in attacking midfield or as a striker, he scored six times in the Premier League last season. He also captained the Cottagers, being promoted to the players’ management group.

“I want to bring experience,” he added. “I have energy, I’d like to say I’m also a scorer and a playmaker. I hope I can bring all these things and make the team better.

“I take pride in things like that and helping the team, whether it’s being a leader in the dressing room or an experienced player for the younger guys and just being a good person. I think that’s the key to a good season.

“It has fallen upon me with my age, but I will take up my mantle. I’m looking to get going, get to know my team-mates, get to know the rest of the staff and keep this club in the Premier League. I will give everything for the Club, 100%, and I hope to bring some smiles to their faces.

“There is a team full of winners who have won the championship. Hopefully we can take it to the Premier League. We have a lot of experience with players who have already been in the Premier League, so we will fight and the fans know that. Obviously we want to do well, we hope the fans will stick with us and be patient.”

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