Leicester City have dismissed Marti Cifuentes after a woeful run of results that has seen them languish in 14th place in the Championship. The ex-QPR manager was brought in during the summer to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy but has now been axed for a disappointing season so far. Saturday’s 2-1 loss to relegation-threatened Oxford United turned out to be his last match at the helm.
The result marked Leicester’s 11th league defeat of the campaign and leaves them six points adrift of the playoff positions. The East Midlands outfit suffered relegation from the Premier League last term. Supporters were left especially frustrated after the loss, with numerous fans demanding Cifuentes’ departure.
Leicester said in a statement after sacking Cifuentes: “Marti took charge of the team in July 2025 and leaves with the thanks of everyone at Leicester City for his professionalism and dedication during his time with us.
“First team coach Andy King will take charge of team preparations on an interim basis while we undertake a process to appoint a permanent manager.”
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha added: “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.”
In his post-match comments after losing to Oxford, the Spanish manager had said: “At the moment, there’s a number of fans who are not happy with a lot of things. But as the manager you need to be accountable and responsible.
“We are working relentlessly every day to help the club, to try to improve the situation.
“If there’s something that makes me feel self-confident, it’s that at all the clubs I’ve been at, I’ve achieved the target. I’ve been through different stages in my career and I always achieve that.
“The target here is quite clear in what we want as a club and I will not stop working on it. I’m just focused on preparing the next game and improving the results. That’s where my focus is.”