Leicester sack Claudio Ranieri

Claudio Ranieri has been sacked as Leicester City manager, the club has announced.

This is coming on the heels of their 2-1 Champions League, round of 16 first leg defeat to Sevilla on Wednesday, as well as their poor form in the Premier League.

The Foxes were surprise winners of the Premier League title last term, but have been poor this season, and are now in real danger of being relegated, and the club has decided to part ways with their manager as a result.

A statement on the club’s official website reads in part: “Leicester City Football Club has tonight (Thursday) parted company with its First Team Manager, Claudio Ranieri.

“Claudio, appointed City manager in July 2015, led the Foxes to the greatest triumph in the Club’s 133-year 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 reluctantly feels that a change of leadership, while admittedly painful, is necessary in the Club’s greatest interest.”

The statement also confirms assistant manager, Craig Shakespeare will take charge until a new manager is appointed, starting with preparation for Monday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.

“First Team preparations for Monday’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool will resume on Saturday, with Assistant Manager Craig Shakespeare and First Team Coach Mike Stowell taking charge of the squad until a new manager is appointed.”