The Dili-Ding Dili-Dong fairytale of Leicester City has officially ended after Claudio Ranieri has been relieved of his duties, 9 months after leading the side to an inspirational Premier League title. The Foxes qualified for the European competition for the first time in their 132-year history and have a chance to progress to the last 8 of the UEFA Champions League after securing a crucial away goal against Sevilla.
However, the domestic season has taken a serious blow, after they failed to progress to the later rounds of the FA Cup and now face an uphill battle to save their Premier League status. The Foxes currently have 21 points from 25 games and are sitting just one position above the relegation zone. With Ranieri gone, the club has given the responsibility to Assistant Manager Craig Shakespeare and First Team Coach Mike Stowell on an interim basis, till a new coach is appointed.
Let us take a look at the three choices, who can be appointed by the club to save their season and take them further.
NIGEL PEARSON
The two-time controversial Leicester City manager was sacked after the 2014-15 season and was subsequently replaced with the now-sacked manager, Claudio Ranieri. The Englishman saw Leicester City’s late burst of form in the Premier League campaign of 2014-15, that saw the Foxes winning 7 out of their last 9 games to stave off relegation.
It is also reported that a few players want Pearson to return as the boss of Leicester City. Pearson is actually a good choice to have as a Leicester boss, given he is well versed with the players and the club and was in a similar situation when he was at the club last time.
GARY NEVILLE
If the club owners want to sign a replacement only until the end of the season, they may not have to look further than England’s own Gary Neville. The former English full-back of Manchester United did not have a successful stint during his tenure at Valencia but can be a good choice, as he has spent his entire career in the Premier League and knows what to expect from a player here.
It is unlikely that he will be appointed as the manager of Leicester City, but given their season is already in danger, Leicester’s owners can have a go at him.
ALAN PARDEW
Another Englishman who is a favourite to replace the outgoing Italian is former Crystal Palace boss, Alan Pardew. Pardew is an experienced manager and is a tried and tested quality in English Football. Apart from Crystal Palace, he has earlier managed West Ham United and Newcastle United among others.
Pardew’s last few spells have ended acrimoniously but he did help Newcastle and Crystal Palace in avoiding relegation when he took over from the preceding managers.
