At the time of writing, Marti Cifuentes apparently still retains his position at Leicester City Football Club. However, the widespread feeling among the Blue Army faithful is that the former Hammarby IF, AaB Fodbold, Sandefjord and Queens Park Rangers manager’s tenure on Filbert Way is on its last legs.
In other words, finished or fading fast in coaching terms. Certainly, those vocal supporters like myself on social media have reached the end of our patience.
Yet, as I mentioned, Foxes chairman and owner Aiyawatt (Khun Top) Srivaddhanaprabha has not yet decided to dismiss Cifuentes, at least not officially. I suspect we can anticipate that (potentially welcome) outcome imminently, in their management or legal language. Essentially, the Catalan head coach is likely to be gone by Monday morning, if you want my prediction.
Even so, nearly the entire LCFC fanbase surely recognises that Cifuentes was never truly equipped to succeed because of Top and Jon Rudkin’s (director of football) shortcomings. But we won’t rehash all of that background again.
These sharp supporters seem to understand precisely what’s unfolding at King Power Stadium. Let’s look at the startling observations from Saturday’s match — including insight into the manager’s fragile position.
Reinforced security surrounds Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha at his own King Power Stadium:
Oh dear, oh dear. Matters have gone from poor, to terrible, to catastrophic in LE2 for everyone attached to City.
Top, the owner, has suffered his own rapid decline as LCFC’s figurehead: from lifting the FA Cup and returning to European competition, to financial troubles at home and abroad, consecutive relegations, and an increasingly disillusioned Foxes fanbase.
The loss to Sheffield United may prove to be the breaking point for the head coach. But supporters’ tolerance of Top is evaporating as well. To the extent that he was surrounded by stewards more extensively than usual inside his own venue on the day.
“Situation turns toxic: Added security could be seen guarding the directors’ box at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.”
“Leicester fans have grown deeply disillusioned with their team’s plight” – [TalkSPORT]
Recent xenophobic and death-threat chanting may play a part in the increased security measures. I’m sure nobody would actually harm the man. Most of us would find any form of violence appalling.
Let me also add that the Srivaddhanaprabha family remain respected by the majority of genuine fans. But Top will not survive in his role unless progress begins — swiftly.
Regardless, we supporters will make our voices heard within the law. And by the way, I just checked again: Cifuentes is still in the job!