In the five days since he was handed interim charge of the Foxes, King says he has tried to get players to take greater responsibility for their performances.
Talk of Leicester playing with an “identity” that tallies with the club’s remarkable against-the-odds successes of the past has been a constant from a succession of managers at King Power Stadium.
“We have done a little bit of work with the lads this week and said ‘it’s you guys who have to almost drive that – there has to be a certain pride amongst yourselves. Be proud of that. Be proud of the team you want to be and what it means to wear this shirt’,” King said.
“We can all give a game plan and tactical information, but ultimately it’s down to the lads to actually go out and make that work.”
The side that King has to call on this week is one that has been hit hard by midfield absences.
Jordan James – Leicester’s standout performer this season – remains injured, while Oliver Skipp is also sidelined as he recovers from a head knock.
Boubakary Soumare left Leicester on Thursday to join Qatari side Al-Duhail and former England international Harry Winks has been left out with no explanation since November.
King said he could not comment on what conversations have previously taken place about Winks’ involvement, but added that he will be considered for the side to face Charlton.
“Winksy, like everyone, has been training with the group and has been training with the group all the time,” King said.
“We are short with Skippy’s injury and JJ’s injury, so he has trained and trained well, and like always he will be available for selection.”
Meanwhile, former Foxes first-team coach Adam Sadler has returned to the club on a short-term basis to support King in his temporary role.
Sadler’s arrival came as Cifuentes’ assistant manager Xavi Calm, first-team goalkeeping coach Javi Ortiz and analyst Carlos Martinez Gil were relieved of their duties on Friday.