Sports
Leicester targeting Russell Martin to replace Marti Cifuentes
Leicester City are now targeting a “courageous” manager to replace Marti Cifuentes, and he is keen on a move to the King Power Stadium.
Leicester searching for Cifuentes replacement
Leicester made the decision to sack Cifuentes after the 2-1 defeat against Oxford United, which left them 14th in the Championship, although they are only six points off the play-offs, so there is still time to save their season, if they get the next appointment right.
However, there are doubts over whether the hierarchy will be able to get the right man, having received heavy criticism in the wake of the 43-year-old being dismissed.
As per journalist Tom Collomosse, the Foxes have set out to bring in an experienced manager to replace the Spaniard, and they are now targeting a manager who already has a Championship promotion under his belt.
That is according to a report from Football Insider, which states former Southampton manager Russell Martin is now of interest to Leicester, and he is interested in replacing Cifuentes in the dugout.
Martin is said to tick a lot of boxes for the owners, and he is ‘ready and available’ to take over at the King Power Stadium, having been sacked by Scottish giants Rangers back in October, after winning just five of his 17 matches in charge.
Despite failing to live up to expectations at Ibrox, the 40-year-old still has a good reputation, and there are some indications he could be a solid replacement for Cifuentes.
“Courageous” Martin could be solid Cifuentes heir
Described as “courageous” by journalist Jason Burt, the Brighton-born manager knows what it takes to get out of the Championship, having led Southampton to promotion in the 2023-24, courtesy of a 1-0 victory against Leeds United in the play-off final.
The ex-Saints boss, who prefers to implement an attacking 4-3-3 system, was unable to make the step-up to the Premier League, however, being dismissed after losing 13 of his first 16 games, which left his side bottom of the table.
|
Russell Martin’s Southampton record |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
73 |
|
Wins |
34 |
|
Draws |
13 |
|
Losses |
26 |
|
Points per game |
1.58 |
The Scot lasting just 17 games at Rangers isn’t the greatest sign either, but getting out of the Championship is the most pressing issue for Leicester, and he has proven he is capable of guiding teams to Premier League promotion.
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As such, Martin could be a solid replacement for Cifuentes, at least in the short-term, and it is promising news that he is interested in a move to the King Power Stadium.
