Leicester Dismiss Premier League-Winning Manager Ranieri

By Andah John

Leicester City have sacked manager Claudio Ranieri, nine months after the Italian led them to the Premier League title.

The Premier League champions are one point above the dreaded relegation waters and they have 13 games to avoid Championship football next season.

“The board reluctantly feels that a change of leadership, while admittedly painful, is necessary in the club’s greatest interest,” said a statement.

Ranieri, 65, guided the Foxes to the title despite them being rated 5,000-1 shots at the start of the campaign.

His departure followed a 2-1 defeat at Spanish side Sevilla in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Leicester on the verge of history

Leicester defied the odds to win the Premier League by 10 points but have won just five top-flight games so far this season.

And with their poor form this season, they are not far from becoming the first defending champions to be relegated since 1938.

They have lost their past five league matches and are the only side in the top four English divisions without a league goal in 2017.

“His status as the most successful Leicester City manager of all time is without question,” added the Foxes statement.

“However, domestic results in the current campaign have placed the club’s Premier League status under threat.”