“With all due respect…” We hear that phrase from time to time and while we don’t know exactly what will follow it, we know it is not going to be complimentary.



By definition, the phrase is used as “a polite formula preceding, and intended to mitigate the effect of, an expression of disagreement or criticism”. In other words, it is used to sugarcoat a bitter pill that must be swallowed, and that is how it has been used repeatedly in the media to discuss Leicester City.



Usually, the context is a discussion about one of Leicester’s promising young stars being linked to other clubs and recently, even manager Brendan Rodgers himself. “With all due respect to Leicester City…” numerous presenters and pundits would begin, followed usually by, “Ben Chilwell should join Chelsea/Manchester City”, “James Maddison should go to Manchester United/Tottenham Hotspur,” and “Brendan Rodgers would...