Premier League 2018-19: 5 Managers who could be sacked first

#4 Claude Puel (Leicester City)

Puel was heavily linked with exiting the club at the end of last season

The Leicester manager might be under pressure from the outset of the Premier League campaign especially when you consider how heavily he was linked to being replaced during the back end of the previous campaign.

Despite a commendable achievement of finishing ninth in the Premier League after replacing Craig Shakespeare, Puel was never the first choice to replace the previous manager. In the initial months, Puel found himself trying to win the Leicester fans over, which to some degree he did, with a very promising start at the King Power Stadium.

The former Saints manager is considered to be a tactically astute man having successfully managed the likes of Lyon and Nice in France. The only complaint that fans had was his style of play wasn't great, but yet it was effective.

This summer has been a reasonable success for Puel and Leicester; after all getting £60 million for the unhappy Riyad Mahrez has to be considered a success. The transfer in-comings at Leicester have been smart and has gone somewhat under the radar.

Acquiring Jonny Evans for as little as they did was smart business for an established Premier League defender, who previously had been linked with big money moves to both Arsenal and Manchester City just about a year ago.

Ricardo Pereira joining the club for an initial £21.9 million fee is a massive coup for the club and exactly what they needed to improve the team in the right full back position. James Maddison from Norwich will add real quality to the final third for the foxes with his ability in front of goal while Danny Ward from Liverpool is a goalkeeper who needs to gain experience at the top level.

England under 21 international James Maddison might prove vital to the future of Puel

The future of Harry Maguire might cast a shadow over what has been a positive summer for the club and could determine what sort of season Puel and Leicester might have. Kasper Schmeichel is another name linked with a move out of the club this summer so keeping these two will strengthen Puel's position at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester need to make a solid start to the season, avoid dropping near the bottom three. Consolidating mid-table early and Puel will give himself a massive chance of continuing his role at the club. The Leicester board are not scared to act on a bad start as shown in the previous two seasons.