Leicester City have sacked coach Claudio Ranieri, nine months after he won the Premier League, around six weeks after he was named as Fifa’s coach of the year, and less than 24 hours a gutsy 2-1 loss in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 game against Sevilla.
This decision might not come as a complete surprise to Premier League followers as the Italian coach has been staring at the bottom of the barrel as the defending champions hover near the relegation zone. Despite the Foxes stunning win last season, they haven’t been able to hold on to the momentum and there were rumours of problems within the dressing room as well.
Leicester have won just five of their 25 league games and have even been knocked out of the FA Cup by third-tier Millwall. This may have been the final straw, even though the statement from Thai-owned club confirming his departure from the King Power Stadium called him the “most successful manager” in the history of the 133-year-old club.
But while the club may pay him glowing tribute, not everyone was on the same page. Several former players and football writers have expressed shock and anger over the unceremonious sacking, while the team was still in with a chance in the premier European competition.
From Gary Lineker (remember how he presented Match of the Day in his underwear after Leicester won the title) to perennial Twitter troll Piers Morgan, everyone had something to say, and most of it was bordered on disbelief for sacking the 65-year-old who had done so much for the club.
Club statement: #lcfc and Claudio Ranieri part company: https://t.co/C5qnSVxDgU pic.twitter.com/VqlHy1I6Ut
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 23, 2017
After all that Claudio Ranieri has done for Leicester City, to sack him now is inexplicable, unforgivable and gut-wrenchingly sad.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 23, 2017
Absolute Joke. https://t.co/TdKVeR1nJN
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 23, 2017
Claudio Ranieri sacked! Unfortunate news I think! Wonder how I'd feel if I was a Leicester player right now🤔. Could I have done more 🤔😪
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) February 23, 2017
If you've got any decency, @LCFC fans, you will drive these disgusting clowns out of your club asap. #ranieri pic.twitter.com/MWWRUvQtQE
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 23, 2017
Just seen Ranieri news. Shocked after last night display! Wins the league & still not afforded the time to fight for safety. Unreal scenes!
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) February 23, 2017
Winning the Premier League the " New Poisoned Chalice "
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) February 23, 2017
Conte sacked next season!!
Thanks you #Ranieri ⚽️👏🏻👍🏻🏆 #PremierLeague #Leicester
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) February 23, 2017
Funny old game football. Can't help but feel sorry for Claudio Ranieri.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) February 23, 2017
Must be a better way of dealing with this than the term "sacking", move upstairs, bring someone in to "help", sacking does him a disservice!
— Steve Claridge (@SteveClaridge) February 23, 2017
It's an outrage that Ranieri has been sacked! Crazy decision
— James Corden (@JKCorden) February 23, 2017
Here is what Ranieri achieved with Leicester
10th Jan 2017: Claudio Ranieri wins FIFA World Manager Of The Year.
— 9GAG Football ⚽ (@9GAGFootball) February 24, 2017
23rd Feb 2017: Claudio Ranieri sacked by Leicester.
Football is crazy! pic.twitter.com/y31tdkAPL6
Football’s a cruel sport. pic.twitter.com/arbuLtHuqr
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) February 23, 2017