Leicester City manager search latest as new favourite named and Gareth Southgate odds cut | OneFootball

Leicester City’s slump deepened as the manager search drags on. More than two weeks after Marti Cifuentes was dismissed, three defeats under interim boss Andy King, capped by a 4-3 collapse from 3-0 up against Southampton, have left them 21st, with a points deduction a major factor. They have conceded eight in that run.

Bookmakers have installed former Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl as favourite at 5/2, ahead of Russell Martin, Andy King and Gary Rowett. According to Belfast Telegraph, Blackburn Rovers are also seeking a manager, with Northern Ireland’s Michael O’Neill the frontrunner despite a World Cup qualification play-off with Italy looming.

Hassenhuttl was last in work in May, sacked by Wolfsburg after 14 months, having kept them up in his first campaign. He previously spent four years at Southampton, avoiding relegation in his first season, finishing 11th, 15th and 15th, then being dismissed in November 2022 with the club in the drop zone.

Former England manager Gareth Southgate entered the discussion via betting moves, with his odds cut to 4-1. He has not taken a job since leaving England after the Euro 2024 final and has not managed at club level for 17 years.

King has reiterated he does not want the permanent role, saying he will hold the fort until an appointment is made and that he enjoys his work with the club’s young players. Interest in Chris Coleman appears to have cooled.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk