“I came here to build something good for Leicester, for everybody. I keep going.”
Those were Claudio Ranieri’s sentiments minutes after his Leicester City side had fallen 2-1 to Sevilla in their Last 16 Champions League match. Jamie Vardy had scored a late go to ensure Leicester were still fighting with regards to the second leg.
Ranieri was still fighting too. Then, he got sacked.
Club statement: #lcfc and Claudio Ranieri part company: https://t.co/C5qnSVxDgU pic.twitter.com/VqlHy1I6Ut
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 23, 2017
There has been an outcry across the footballing world that a man who led a team dogged by relegation fears to the Premier League title could be sacked less than nine months later. But, in case no-one knew it, money talks in the Premier League.
Former Leicester player Gary Lineker summed up the thoughts of many disgruntled football fans, last night, and Gary Neville felt compelled to tweet his reaction:
Winning the Premier League the " New Poisoned Chalice "
Conte sacked next season!!
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) February 23, 2017
Neville then retweeted a post about the unfortunate fates of five recent Premier League-winning managers [all sacked barring Alex Ferguson, who retired].
This morning, the former Manchester United star returned to an issue he has been vociferous about in recent weeks – the perceived campaign to get Arsene Wenger sacked from Arsenal.
Same people saying Ranieri sacking is disgusting and a betrayal want another removed from his Job where a board shows the ultimate loyalty!
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) February 24, 2017
How ex-professionals ask for a manager to be removed or sacked is beyond me…
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) February 24, 2017
Some of those former professionals will maintain that Wenger’s Arsenal have plateaued over the past decade.
However, while Gunners may be frustrated with their club not driving on for league success, it is heartening to know there is one team out there that recognises a man’s success and is determined to allow him to leave on his terms.
Catch up with this week’s episode of 888sport Football Friday Live
