It is no longer news that Leicester City Football Club of England has parted ways with its manager, Claudio Ranieri. It happened on the night of Thursday, February 23 2017, some nine months after leading the team to the Premier League title.
Appointed City manager in July 2015, Ranieri led the Foxes to the greatest triumph in the club’s 133-year history last season.
The Foxes are one point above the relegation zone with 13 matches left.
What is news is that some managers have shown interest in the plum job, immediately Leicester City vice-chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, made the announcement. Before the Foxes sacked Ranieri, their searchlight was on ex-Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini, an Italian just like Ranieri.
Mancini led Manchester City to the Premiership title in 2012 but left a year later after defeat to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final and failure to defend the crown. He has since managed Galatasaray and Inter Milan without standout success.
If appointed, Mancini’s first task will be hauling Leicester City away from trouble, although he has a two-to-one odd chance.
Other managers that may be favored are Guus Hiddink, the former Chelsea gaffe, and Nigel Pearson, who was also sacked by Leicester City in June 2015.
Pearson has an eight-to-one odd chance of picking the job while Hiddink is 10-to-one.
Although the sacking of Claudio Ranieri is considered the most shocking decision in the last 10 years of football, one reason advanced for the sack was that of his bewildered tactics and team selection, translating to a somewhat feeble title defence.
Mancini on Friday expressed sympathy for Ranieri’s sacking.
“I am sorry for my friend #Ranieri. He will remain in the history of @LCFC, in the heart of #Leicester fans and all football lovers,” Mancini tweeted.
Leicester assistant manager Craig Shakespeare and Mike Stowell will take interim charge ahead of Monday’s crucial match against Liverpool.
By Felix Simire
