Interim Leicester City manager Gary Rowett has opened up about his decision to start Harry Winks in Friday’s 1:1 draw against Millwall. The midfielder faced a hostile reception from the home crowd, who booed him throughout the first half following a heated confrontation with supporters at Portsmouth last week.
Despite the obvious tension in the stands, Rowett insisted that his choices were driven by tactical necessity rather than a lack of discipline. He noted that with Jordan James struggling for fitness and Joe Aribo unavailable, Winks was the only specialized “number six” capable of maintaining possession and linking play.
A Matter of Timing and Tactics
Rowett admitted that his temporary status as manager influenced how he handled the fallout from the Portsmouth incident. While he acknowledged that the midfielder’s reaction to fans was inappropriate, he suggested that a long-term manager might have enforced stricter disciplinary measures.
”I am here until the end of the season,” Rowett explained. “It is difficult to discipline a player when I might not be his manager next year. If I were here for the long haul, certain cultural standards would be non-negotiable. However, my current priority is fielding the strongest possible team to finish the campaign.”
The Road Ahead for Winks
The friction between Winks and the fanbase has intensified since a video emerged of him arguing with fans after the defeat at Fratton Park. He was greeted with jeers during his substitute appearance in the midweek loss that confirmed Leicester’s relegation, and the atmosphere remained frosty during the Millwall match.
Winks currently has one year left on his contract. His deal includes an extension clause triggered by the club’s promotion back in 2024. Whether he remains a part of the squad for the upcoming season remains to be seen, especially as the club looks to rebuild its culture following relegation.