Enzo Maresca didn’t need a record 26 years to learn the truth from Leicester City

The immediate relegation of the three promoted clubs back to the Championship only underlines the task facing Leicester City when they return to the Premier League next season.

Luton were virtually relegated ahead of Sunday’s Premier League final, but their defeat by Fulham confirmed they will join Burnley and Sheffield United in the second tier, a year after they were promoted together. It is the first time all three promoted clubs have failed to survive in 26 years.

Upon City’s promotion, boss Enzo Maresca was quick to point out that the club’s aim in the top flight will be survival and nothing more. But he didn’t need to see last season’s promoted clubs return straight to make that judgement. A repeat of the last decade of European titles and campaigns is simply not on the cards for City right now, their manager insisted.

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When Maresca was told about the struggles promoted clubs have had this season, he said: “Exactly. But it’s not just this year. Generally, 90 percent of the time, clubs that get promoted, a year after they are involved in the relegation battle. But it’s normal. That’s why next year we have to understand our objective, which is to avoid relegation.

“Most people have recent history in mind, the last 10 years. If you go back further, sometimes it’s the Championship, sometimes it’s League One. In the last 10 years, they have won many important things like the Premier League and the FA Cup, so the fresh memories are only about the last 10 years. Next season, it is quite clear that we have to understand that our target is to try to avoid relegation as soon as possible. That’s the most important thing.”

If their task wasn’t tough enough as it is, City may also have to start the campaign with minus points with a decision on their charge for an alleged breach of profit and sustainability regulations expected in the summer . So far, every accused team has ended up with a points deduction.

The final line-up for the Premier League is not yet complete, with the third promoted club yet to be decided. Leeds and Southampton meet in the play-off final at Wembley this weekend after comfortably progressing through to the semi-finals with home wins in the second leg at the end of last week.

What is your early prediction for where City will finish next season? Let us know in the comments section below.