Claude Puel is battling against growing unrest in the Leicester dressing-room over his methods and training regime, despite the club’s pursuit of European football.

Puel’s relationship with some of his players is becoming fractious due to constant chopping and changing of his team, creating a strained atmosphere at the former Premier League champions.

Since the 4-1 victory at former club Southampton in December, Puel has managed only four wins from the last 15 Premier League games and while the top brass are understood to be concerned with recent results and performances, it is not thought that his position is under threat.

But Puel’s unpredictable team selections and alleged reluctance to communicate with players over decisions are creating tension and leaving the squad and staff bewildered.

Shinji Okazaki was surprisingly dropped for Saturday’s game against Newcastle, while there have been many other tactical decisions which have left players confused.