Leicester City sack Marti Cifuentes amid faltering Championship campaign

Leicester City have sacked Marti Cifuentes following a shock 2-1 defeat to Oxford United this weekend, with the club languishing in 14th place in the Championship.

The Spaniard arrived at the King Power Stadium tasked with guiding the club back to the Premier League and avoiding a relegation hangover.

However, Cifuentes inherited a club beset by financial turmoil off the pitch, unable to spend freely and forced to rely on loan deals and free transfers.

That situation has continued into the January transfer window, with Leicester restricted by Financial Fair Play concerns and facing the prospect of losing several key players in the summer.

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Difficult decision

On the pitch, the former QPR boss was unable to generate sustained momentum. Leicester have managed just ten wins this season, alongside 11 defeats, with Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Oxford proving the final straw.

The result was met with chants calling for Cifuentes’ dismissal, and the club’s board have now acted, confirming his departure in a statement on Sunday.

Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “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.

“Marti leaves with our thanks and our best wishes for the future.”

The club confirmed former Foxes midfielder Andy King, a Premier League winner with Leicester in the 2015-16 season, will take interim charge as the search for a permanent successor begins.

Leicester return to Championship action at home to Charlton Athletic next.

READ MORE: Leicester City 1-2 Oxford United: Sack chants grow louder for Foxes boss Marti Cifuentes