Leicester City sack Ranieri, Premier League-winning coach

Chidi Samuel with agency reports || Claudio Ranieri, the title winning Leicester FC coach has been sacked by Leicester City, nine months after leading them to the Premier League glory. The title-winning coach’s sack was contained in a statement released by the club on Thursday.

“The board reluctantly feels that a change of leadership, while admittedly painful, is necessary in the club’s greatest interest,” read the statement.

“His status as the most successful Leicester City manager of all time is without question,” added the Foxes statement.

“However, domestic results in the current campaign have placed the club’s Premier League status under threat.”

Leicester gave their “unwavering support” to the 65 years old Italian, who was appointed a manager in July 2015 and signed a new four-year deal in August 2016.

His departure comes less than 24 hours after a 2-1 defeat at Spanish side Sevilla in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

The Foxes took the Premier League title by 10 points but have won just five top-flight games this season, and could become the first defending champions to be relegated since 1938.

They have lost their past five league matches and are the only side in the top four English divisions without a league goal in 2017.