11 days have now passed since Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s dismissal, and Leicester City still don’t look set on finding their next coach. The club’s preparations for the upcoming 46-game season are well underway at Seagrave with a 3-1 win this past weekend. Despite many managerial links over the past few days, Marti Cifuentes is the most recent option to appear as Leicester’s new manager.
Leicester City Identify Marti Cifuentes As Strong Contender for New Leicester Manager
Martí Cifuentes: Next for the Foxes
As reported by John Percy, former QPR manager Cifuentes is emerging as a “strong contender” to take the reins. The Spaniard departed this past April by mutual consent after a 15th-place finish in the second tier.
Percy also adds that he has been “admired for some time”, and that there has already been talks with him. Gary O’Neil and Chris Wilder were among the other names to have already held talks with the club’s hierarchy.
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Moreover, Owynn Palmer Atkin stated yesterday that the East Midlands outfit are also still monitoring Danny Rohl’s situation. Therefore, it looks like the search for a new manager will continue, as many options are still in contention.
How Does This Affect Leicester City
Despite pre-season already being underway, the club are still in disarray and yet to install their new figurehead. Their opening day clash with Sheffield Wednesday is now just over a month away and, if the search continues, then the recently relegated side may struggle.
As for Cifuentes, he offers great experience, having coached all across Europe by the age of 42. His recent stint with QPR saw him steady the ship and bring the club out of the relegation zone. They secured safety with a 4-0 win against promotion hopeful Leeds United back in 2024.
The following season, the Hoops finished seven points clear of the drop zone. As a result, links to West Brom soon came; however, later revelations proved he wasn’t on the Baggies’ shortlist. It’s clear from his stint at Loftus Road that the Spaniard is able to be successful with limited resources. One supporter said following his departure: ” [He] did an amazing job to avoid relegation last season and at times this season showed what he was capable of, despite very limited resources”.
Time will only tell whether this can translate to the Foxes, but installing a new manager as quickly as possible will remain the priority.
