Puel appointed on two- year deal to succeed Shakespeare at King Power Stadium

Claude Puel is Leicester City’s new first- team manager. Just 133 days after being sacked by Southampton, t he 56 - yearold Frenchman has been confirmed as Craig Shakespeare’s successor, signing a deal until June 2020.

The former defensive mid- fielder’s first match in charge will be Sunday’s home game against Ever ton, while the club has confirmed Michael Appleton will retain his role as assistant manager.

“It’ s a great privilege to become the new manager of Leicester City – a club whose values and ambitions are closely aligned to my own,” Puel said. “The opportunity to help the club build on its remarkable recent achievements is a truly exciting one and I’m looking forward to working with the owners, players, staff and supporters to deliver further lasting success.”

Despite leading Southampton to the EFL Cup final and eighth in the Premier League, he was sacked in June. How- ever, Leicester were attracted, with vice-chairman Aiyawatt Sr iv add h an apr ab ha suitably impressed.

“When we began the process of identifying a new manager, the board quickly established the profile of candidate we needed to take the club forward and Claude Puel was a perfect fit ,” Srivaddh an apr ab ha said .“Upon meeting Claude, his at t ention to detail, knowledge of our squad, understanding of our potential and his vision to help us realise it were extremely impressive.

“He quickly emerged as the outstanding candidate and I am delighted we will have the opportunity to reinforce our long- term vision, aided significantly by his expertise.”