A decade has passed since Leicester City pulled off one of the greatest sporting upsets in history, and the key figures from that miraculous 2015-16 season are looking back with fondness. Manager Claudio Ranieri, defender Christian Fuchs, and lifelong fan Serge Pizzorno of the band Kasabian are among those recalling the ingredients that made the Foxes' Premier League title win so special.
Ranieri, the architect of the triumph, shared how the belief grew gradually within the squad. He initially set a modest target of 40 points for survival, a goal set by chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. After achieving that, the targets shifted to qualifying for Europe, then the Champions League, and finally, the title itself. The Italian manager described the journey as a "miracle" fueled by immense effort and a powerful team mentality. He also recounted the surreal moment when opera star Andrea Bocelli, who had called to perform at the King Power Stadium, unknowingly chose the exact date Leicester would lift the trophy.
For the players, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and fun, not pressure. Christian Fuchs highlighted the accessible nature of the club's owners and the family-like culture they fostered. He recalled simple bonding moments, like a pizza outing after their first clean sheet that devolved into a food fight, epitomizing the group of "misfits" who enjoyed stirring things up. The defender also noted the enduring connection through their active WhatsApp group, a testament to the unbreakable bond formed during their incredible run.
The cultural ripple effect of the victory extended far beyond the pitch. Ranieri spoke emotionally about how the win connected Leicester's diverse communities, with members of the city's Indian population thanking him for helping bridge cultural gaps through football. Serge Pizzorno observed that Leicester became "everyone's second team" globally, capturing the imagination of neutral fans everywhere. He described the city itself coming together in the final weeks, creating a unique, unified atmosphere at the school gates, post offices, and pubs.
Key on-field moments were also revisited. The team's resilience was built on a tactical shift by Ranieri, who changed the defensive system to a back four just before the season started, a decision first-team coach Mike Stowell initially questioned but which proved genius. The squad celebrated individual milestones, like Jamie Vardy's record of scoring in 11 consecutive league matches, with genuine happiness for their teammate. The season culminated in a guard of honour from the outgoing champions, Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge—a moment Fuchs says still brings a smile to his face.
The celebrations were legendary, featuring a performance by Bocelli on the day the trophy was presented and a massive victory parade. Pizzorno's band, Kasabian, played to 120,000 people at Victoria Park, with players joining in the festivities. The story even had a fairy-tale financial subplot, as Pizzorno shared that his wife's uncle had placed a £20 bet on Leicester winning the league at 5000-1 odds, netting a £80,000 windfall. For everyone involved, from the manager to the fans, the memory of that season remains a source of immense pride and a reminder of football's power to create unforgettable stories.
Based on reporting from Football | The Guardian.