Leicester City turmoil as new manager Russell Martin faces early strain | OneFootball

According to BBC UK, Leicester began League One with a draw at Notts County and a 2-1 home loss to Burton Albion, leaving new manager Russell Martin under scrutiny as a potential sale looms.

Leicester had 73% possession, but Oliver Skipp was sent off and the Burton loss prompted wagers on a drop to League Two, with odds now 33-1.

After relegation, a 10-year title celebration ended 0-0. 16 days later Martin signed a three-year deal in June.

Since taking Southampton up via the 2024 play-offs, he has won two league games across Saints and Rangers, the latter lasting 123 days before a 2025 dismissal.

Leicester have sold Abdul Fatawu to Ipswich Town and 17-year-old Jeremy Monga to Manchester City. New recruit Ilari Kangasniemi, 19, is a ball playing centre-back.

Supporters doubt a possession-first style suits a League One fight. Despite a 3-1 Carabao Cup loss at Ipswich Town, Martin says a young, newly assembled squad could be turning a corner.

Thai owners King Power are seeking buyers after 16 years, circulating an eight-page sales booklet, though no announcement has come from the Srivaddhanaprabha family.

Accounts showed losses of nearly £100m in 2021-22 and 2022-23, bringing a six-point deduction for profit and sustainability breaches in 2025-26. Leicester ended last season 23rd, five points short.

It is 17 years since their last third-tier stint, a period featuring a title, an FA Cup and a Champions League quarter-final, as well as three relegations. Fans hope early troubles reflect adaptation, not another fall.

Source: BBC UK

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”