Former Wales Boss Chris Coleman Emerges as Contender for Leicester City Role
Leicester City are reportedly considering appointing former Wales manager Chris Coleman to fill their managerial vacancy at the King Power Stadium. This development follows the recent dismissal of Marti Cifuentes, who was sacked after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Oxford United over the weekend.
Leicester's Search for New Leadership After Cifuentes Departure
The Foxes parted ways with Cifuentes following a run of poor results that has left the club sitting 14th in the Championship table, currently six points adrift of the play-off positions. During his tenure, Cifuentes managed just 11 victories from 31 matches, failing in his primary objective of securing an immediate return to the Premier League following last season's relegation.
Leicester's ownership now face a crucial decision as they seek a manager capable of revitalising their promotion campaign during the remainder of the season. The club's hierarchy are understood to be evaluating several candidates for the position, with Coleman emerging as a serious contender according to transfer specialist Pete O'Rourke.
Coleman's Management Career and Leicester Connections
The 55-year-old Welshman last managed at Greek side Asteras Tripolis, where he was dismissed earlier this month after recording just three wins from fifteen matches. Coleman's most recent position in English football was at Sunderland, where he was sacked in April 2018 when the club suffered relegation to League One.
Since his departure from the Stadium of Light, Coleman has gained international experience with managerial roles in China, Cyprus, Belgium, and Greece. Significantly, his previous position at OH Leuven in Belgium could prove particularly relevant, as the Belgian club operates as a sister organisation to Leicester City under the same ownership structure.
This existing relationship with the Leicester ownership is believed to strengthen Coleman's candidacy for the role. According to reports, Coleman would be willing to work alongside interim boss Andy King, potentially acting as a mentor to the former Leicester player who the club views as a promising future coach.
Coleman's Playing and Managerial Background
Before moving into management, Coleman enjoyed a distinguished playing career primarily in London, making 161 appearances for Fulham and 117 for Crystal Palace. The former defender achieved significant success during his playing days, winning the First Division with both clubs and adding a Second Division title with Fulham.
Coleman transitioned directly into management at Craven Cottage shortly after retiring as a player, taking charge of Fulham between 2003 and 2007. His appointment in May 2003 made him the youngest manager in the Premier League at that time, and he guided the Cottagers to a respectable ninth-place finish during his debut season.
During that successful first campaign, Coleman worked with several notable players including Edwin Van der Sar, Louis Saha, and Luis Boa Morte, demonstrating his ability to manage established talent effectively.
Other Candidates and Leicester's Managerial Decision
While Coleman has emerged as a strong candidate, he is not the only name under consideration for the Leicester position. Earlier this week, former Millwall and Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett was also linked with the vacancy, indicating that the club are conducting a thorough search process.
The Leicester City board face a critical decision that could significantly impact their chances of securing promotion back to the Premier League. With the Championship season approaching its decisive phase, the appointment of an experienced manager like Coleman could provide the stability and direction needed to mount a serious play-off challenge.
Coleman's combination of Premier League experience, international management background, and existing relationship with the club's ownership through OH Leuven makes him a compelling candidate as Leicester seek to appoint their next manager.
