Claude Puel is facing the sack as Leicester City manager as he battles growing unrest behind the scenes. Puel’s reign is at crisis point and there are huge concerns over ­results, performances and his ­training methods. The next three Premier League games are likely to be crucial to his future.

Jamie Vardy has become the first Leicester player to go public on the discontent within the squad after admitting his struggles with Puel’s style of play, but it is understood there are issues with a number of other players and, even, staff.

Puel was fighting for his job ­towards the end of last season after a torrid run of results but the club’s late owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, opted to give him the summer to rebuild the squad.

Now the Frenchman is clinging onto his job again and, with the ­tension so high, the games against Chelsea, Manchester City and ­Cardiff are seen as pivotal.

There has been a reluctance to consider Puel’s position after the dignified manner in which he ­handled the death of Srivaddhanaprabha, yet senior figures now recognise the situation is critical.