Leicester City have parted company with Marti Cifuentes amid growing concerns that the club could be dragged into a relegation scrap, with a looming points deduction hanging over the Foxes.
The situation could prove significant for Blackburn Rovers, who are battling to climb out of the bottom three. Valérien Ismaël’s side sit just one point from safety following the weekend’s results, with Portsmouth holding them to a 1-1 draw.
Leicester remain an unpredictable factor in the survival race. Saturday’s 2-1 defeat away to 23rd-placed Oxford United proved decisive for Cifuentes, bringing his spell at the King Power Stadium to an end.
Although the Foxes currently occupy 14th place with 38 points, there is a widespread expectation within football that a nine-point deduction is on the way.
It is seen as a matter of timing rather than possibility, with uncertainty persisting throughout the season. Were the penalty to be applied this campaign, Leicester would drop to 21st, level on points with Blackburn.
Once hailed as a model club after their remarkable Premier League title win a decade ago, Leicester’s finances have since deteriorated. Heavy losses in recent years have led to the charge that could yet result in a significant points penalty.
Cifuentes has ultimately paid the price, despite not being viewed as the sole cause of the club’s problems. Supporters increasingly felt he was unlikely to be part of the long-term solution.
Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said the decision had not been taken lightly, thanking Cifuentes for his dedication and hard work before insisting a change was needed to improve results and performances.
First-team coach Andy King will oversee preparations on an interim basis while Leicester begin the search for a permanent replacement.
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