Leicester City have begun their search for a new manager following the departure of Marti Cifuentes, with former Millwall and Birmingham City head coach Gary Rowett emerging as a serious candidate for the role at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester Part Ways with Cifuentes After Poor Run
The Foxes made the decision to dismiss Cifuentes over the weekend after a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Oxford United. The Spanish coach had been in charge for 31 matches, managing just 11 victories alongside 9 draws and 11 losses during his tenure.
Leicester currently sit 14th in the Championship table, six points adrift of the play-off positions, having won only one of their last five league matches. Their next fixture sees them face Charlton Athletic on Saturday as they look to turn their season around.
Chairman Explains Difficult Decision
Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha addressed the managerial change, stating: "This has been a difficult decision and not one I have taken lightly. I would like to thank Martí for the total commitment he has shown during his time at Leicester City. He gave everything to the role and worked tirelessly to help us achieve our targets."
"However, I believe this is the right step at this time to improve performances and results, and to act in the best interests of Leicester City Football Club. Martí leaves with our thanks and our best wishes for the future."
Experienced Championship Manager in Frame
According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, the 51-year-old Rowett is now under consideration by Leicester's hierarchy. The experienced manager brings substantial Championship knowledge from previous roles at Birmingham City, Derby County, Stoke City, and most notably Millwall.
Rowett spent four successful years at Millwall between 2019 and 2023, overseeing 196 matches before leaving by mutual consent in October 2023. At the time of his departure, he commented: "I have thoroughly enjoyed being manager of Millwall and depart with a feeling that the club has progressed during my tenure. As is sometimes the case in football, the time just feels right to part ways."
Recent Oxford United Departure
The manager's most recent position came at Oxford United, where he was dismissed in December after just one year in charge. Reflecting on his exit, Rowett admitted: "Yeah, a little bit. But when you've been in this job for 14 years, you know that if you don't get results then at some point any club that's desperate to stay in the Championship - Oxford are no different. It's the reason why they brought me in in the first place - at some point maybe has to roll the dice."
"As a head coach at Oxford, you accept that there's going to be a point where you either get the backing and someone says... or they think 'we have to take a gamble' and the results maybe dictate that."
Rowett's potential appointment would represent a significant shift for Leicester, moving from a manager tasked with avoiding relegation at Oxford to one expected to mount a promotion challenge at a club with Premier League aspirations.
The Midlands club will be hoping that Rowett's extensive Championship experience could provide the stability and tactical nous needed to climb the table and challenge for a return to the top flight, should he be appointed to the vacant position.
