Foxes turn on Ranieri, hound him out

LONDON: Leicester City have sacked their manager Claudio Ranieri after a disastrous Premier League campaign that has seen the Foxes struggle for form and results.

With just five league wins to their name this season, the English champions sit one point above the relegation zone with their title defence in tatters.

This follows last month’s public declaration that the Italian had the “unwavering support” of the club’s Thai owners.

The decision to sack Ranieri was made after Leicester’s 2-1 defeat by Sevilla last night.

Leicester City confirmed that they had “parted company” with the 65-year-old, calling the decision “painful” but “necessary”.

A statement on the club website read: “Claudio, appointed City manager in July 2015, led the Foxes to the greatest triumph in the Club’s 133year history last season, as we were crowned champions of England for the first time. His status as the most successful Leicester City manager of all time is without question.

“However, domestic results in the current campaign have placed the Club’s Premier League status under threat and the Board feels that a change of leadership is necessary.

Vice-Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “This has been the most difficult decision in nearly seven years since King Power took ownership of Leicester City. But we are duty-bound to put the Club’s long-term interests above all sense of personal sentiment.

“Claudio has brought outstanding qualities to his office. His skilful management, powers of motivation and measured approach have been reflective of the rich experience we always knew he would bring to Leicester City.

“His warmth, charm and charisma have helped transform perceptions of the Club and develop its profile on a global scale. We will forever be grateful to him.”

Ranieri replaced Nigel Pearson in July 2015 and steered Leicester to the most unexpected title in the history of England’s top flight.

They finished 10 points ahead of closest rivals Arsenal, with Ranieri’s side winning 23 and losing only three of their 38 matches. They then topped Group G with four wins from six games in their first foray into the Champions League this season.

Ranieri’s assistant Paolo Benetti and conditioning coach Andrea Azzalin have also left the club. Assistant manager Craig Shakespeare and coach Mike Stowell will take temporary charge of the first team.

Leicester host Liverpool at the King Power Stadium in their next match on Monday. – The Independent