Leicester City have now opened shock talks to hire an ex-Premier League manager to replace the sacked Marti Cifuentes.
Leicester slam “disproportionate” point deduction
To say it’s been a rough couple of weeks for Leicester would be an understatement. The Foxes made the decision to sack Cifuentes following their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Oxford United and have since had their managerial search interrupted by a six-point deduction.
Confirming the news and responding to the punishment after breaching PSR rules, Leicester said: “It is with disappointment that Leicester City acknowledges the independent commission’s decision and the club will use the time available to consider its next steps.”
They later claimed that they believe the punishment is “disproportionate” and “does not adequately reflect the mitigating factors presented, the importance of which cannot be overstated given the potential impact on our sporting ambitions this season”.
PSR explained: Which clubs are in danger after Leicester City’s points deduction?
The Foxes are now only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Leicester now sit outside of the relegation zone in the Championship on goal difference alone, sparking concerns that a poor season could yet turn catastrophic.
The Foxes may look back on Cifuentes’ reign with the ultimate regret now that they’ve been handed a point deduction. The former Queens Park Rangers boss won just 11 games in charge.
|
Marti Cifuentes |
Leicester record |
|---|---|
|
Games |
31 |
|
Wins |
11 |
|
Draws |
8 |
|
Defeats |
12 |
The one positive for those at The King Power is that they could hire a season-defining manager and ensure that any relegation concerns disappear before they’ve even entered the dressing room.
To that end, one name that’s already been mentioned is Enzo Maresca, who could make the most shocking return to the dugout.
Leicester in talks for shock Maresca rehire
As reported by SportsBoom, Leicester are now in talks to rehire Maresca after establishing contact with their former manager. The Italian, who left Chelsea earlier this season in unexpected fashion, is also reportedly ready to complete a return to the dugout.
It would be some coup at this stage of Maresca’s career. The former Chelsea boss is undoubtedly Premier League-level and has found himself on Manchester City’s radar to replace Pep Guardiola when he bows out at the Etihad.
If it’s up to Guardiola, he may even emerge as the frontrunner. After spending time with the Spaniard as his assistant before joining Leicester in 2023, the City boss had nothing but positives to say when Maresca was sacked by Chelsea a few months ago.
“One of the best managers in the world, Enzo Maresca, I know him quite well but, the job he has done at Chelsea does not get enough credit.
“Winning the Club World Cup, Conference League, qualification for the Champions League in a league that is so tough with a young team. It is exceptional. And he rotated and look what happened?”
With all the factors involved, rehiring Maresca would be one of the moves of the season from Leicester if they manage to secure his signature.
