Leicester City’s season has taken another grim turn as pressure mounts on manager Marti Cifuentes—with sources revealing that the Spaniard has been handed a near-impossible ultimatum by Director of Football, Jon Rudkin. Cifuentes has reportedly been told he must collect at least four points from the next two Championship fixtures if he’s to remain in the dugout beyond the international break.
But with the Foxes having won just once in their last nine outings, the prospect of delivering a win and a draw against their next two opponents already seems like a monumental challenge.
First up is a midweek showdown against high-flying Middlesbrough, currently sitting second in the table and in some of the best form in the division. Rob Edwards’ side have stormed their way into the automatic promotion places with seven wins already, and despite a shock 3-0 loss to Watford in their last outing, they’ll be eager to regain momentum.
Leicester, on the other hand, are reeling after a dismal 2-0 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers, a game that highlighted their ongoing struggles in both attack and defence.
With only five points separating them from the playoff spots, Leicester technically still have time to turn things around—but the mood around the club is one of dwindling belief.
After their relegation from the Premier League, the Foxes were expected to bounce back strongly under Cifuentes. Instead, they’ve stuttered into 14th place, stumbling from one flat performance to another.
The second fixture in the ultimatum window takes them to Carrow Road to face Norwich City. The Canaries have endured early-season struggles of their own but are strong at home and desperate for points. On paper, it looks like the more winnable of the two fixtures for Leicester. But based on recent form, nothing is guaranteed with Cifuentes’ side.
Leicester’s lack of goals, recurring defensive lapses, and uninspiring performances have left the club hierarchy deeply concerned. A draw and a defeat from the upcoming games would almost certainly trigger Cifuentes’ dismissal, as he battles for his future in what has quickly become a hostile job environment.
A verdict from one prominent pundit summed the situation up clearly:
“Leicester City must get at least four points from the next two games if Cifuentes is going to see past the international break. The Foxes should have enough quality to be in and around the top six, and their latest results are unacceptable.
“Middlesbrough will know there’s a good opportunity to finish in the automatic spots this season, and their ability to remain consistent will be the deciding factor. Edwards will be hoping last weekend was a blip in what’s been a successful term so far.
“I think this game will be a close one with either side needing three points. I’m going to go for a draw in a game which could decide Cifuentes’ future.”
With discontent rising among fans and faith within the boardroom all but evaporating, it feels like decision time has arrived for the Catalan—and the clock is ticking.