Leicester has appointed Dean Smith as manager until the end of the season along with Craig Shakespeare and John Terry. Smith was fired as Norwich’s manager in December after leading Aston Villa to the Premier League in 2019. He takes over for Brendan Rodgers, who leaves Leicester in 19th place in the Premier League, two points from safety. Shakespeare was a member of Claudio Ranieri’s coaching staff when Leicester won the Premier League title in 2016, and he took over as manager when the Italian was fired the following year.
“I’m thrilled to get the chance to lead the squad in the closing stages of the season. The task before us is apparent, but it’s one that my coaching staff and I have faced before, and with the talent in this group and the number of games remaining, it’s very much within our grasp,” the new Leicester manager Dean Smith said. “Our first task is to restore confidence and faith in the team, and I’m looking forward to working with the players this week. Saturday will be a tremendous test, but it’s the kind of event that reminds us all what it’s like to be a Premier League team, playing on the greatest stages against the best players in the world. I’m confident that our traveling fans will show their support. We must connect with them and deliver a performance they will be proud of. We go there with a positive attitude, hoping for points.”
Jesse Marsch was in advanced talks with Leicester about taking over as manager when Brendan Rodgers left at the beginning of April. The American was one of several candidates Leicester met with regarding the position before settling on Smith. Rodgers had been in charge for four years and helped Leicester win the FA Cup for the first time in club history in 2021, as well as back-to-back fifth-place results. However, he left the Foxes in the relegation zone following six defeats and one draw in seven games.
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