Next Leicester Manager Odds: Early contenders to replace Brendan Rodgers
After a four year relationship together, Leicester and Brendan Rodgers have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect. The decision comes following the club's defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday 1 April, 2023.
Rodgers leaves the King Power Stadium as one of the club's most successful managers, having steered the Foxes to their very first FA Cup trophy in 2021, an FA Community Shield that same year, two of the club's three highest top-flight finishes and consecutive European campaigns, including Leicester's first European semi-final in 2022.
"The achievements of the team under Brendan’s management speak for themselves – we’ve experienced some of our finest footballing moments under his guidance and will always be grateful to him and his staff for the heights they helped us to reach on the pitch."
“Off the pitch, Brendan embraced the culture of the Club and helped cultivate an outstanding developmental environment, particularly during the transition to Seagrave, and provided strong leadership during the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus pandemic. His place in Leicester City history is assured.
“However, performances and results during the current season have been below our shared expectations. It had been our belief that continuity and stability would be key to correcting our course, particularly given our previous achievements under Brendan’s management. Regrettably, the desired improvement has not been forthcoming and, with 10 games of the season remaining, the Board is compelled to take alternative action to protect our Premier League status.
“The task ahead of us in our final 10 games is clear. We now need to come together – fans, players and staff – and show the poise, quality and fight to secure our position as a Premier League club.”
Most immediately on fans' minds, much like the club's own priorities, lies with appointing his successor. With only 10 games remaining, the next Leicester manager market could shift and shape considerably between now and the end of the season. But in the wake of the club's decision, here is an immediate view of how things look...
Heading up the betting to replace the Northern Irishman is fellow job centre companion Graham Potter. The ex-Chelsea boss was relieved of his duties after only six months in charge at Stamford Bridge. It comes following his side's 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, which leaves the Blues in a precarious position in the bottom half of the table.
Rafael Benitez and Steven Gerrard, two bosses currently out of work, are towards the top of the market. Rafa was last seen in charge of Everton before departing the club in January 2022. Gerrard has been in employment more recently than his blue counterpart Benitez, where he managed Aston Villa for just shy of 12 months until he was swiftly replaced by Unai Emery in B6.
Meanwhile, Celtic's Ange Postecoglou, who has his team sitting nine points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, is considered a plausible outside shot. Their dominance north of the border continues on with the Hoops already having retained the Scottish League Cup, and now setting their sights on wrapping up the league title while they await a Scottish Cup semi-final tie with bitter rivals Rangers.
Outside of Premier League knowhow, Jon Dahl Tomasson could be prized away from Blackburn. The Dane has a 51% win ratio with Rovers and currently has his team positioned inside the play-off places with roughly six games remaining.
Former PL bosses Ralph Hasenhuttl and ex-Foxes manager Nigel Pearson - the latter of whom is still active in management at Bristol City - are two options the bookmakers refuse to rule out. Neither particularly whets the appetite, but either could pose a suitable short-term fix as the club looks to maintain its top-flight status.
Meanwhile, Thomas Frank could be a name that excites. His Brentford side are punching well above their weight again this term, currently occupying seventh place and looking good value to qualify for European football next season.
Further afield, second tier coaches Michael Carrick and Vincent Kompany are getting noticed for their fine work at Middlesbrough and Burnley respectively.
If Leicester's criteria is a temporary solution with PL experience, Jesse Marsch, Daniel Farke, Marcelo Bielsa and far more ambitiously Mauricio Pochettino, are all priced up.
Rounding out the betting is Leicester darling Claudio Ranieri, who has forever cemented his name in Foxes folklore by winning the Premier League with the Midlanders.
For the full list of potential candidates and their odds, scroll down and browse below...
