EXCLUSIVE BOMBSHELL: Sky Pundit SMASHES PANIC BUTTON as Marti Cifuentes Faces TOTAL MELTDOWN at Leicester City – CLUB IN CHAOS, SACK IMMINENT?!
Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie calls on Leicester City to give Marti Cifuentes time to revive the team’s fortunes amid their recent struggles.
Leicester City urged to remain patient with Marti Cifuentes amid growing pressure
Marti Cifuentes is facing increasing scrutiny at Leicester City after a poor run of results, despite overseeing a major squad overhaul since taking charge in July.
The Spaniard, who was previously on gardening leave at Queens Park Rangers before joining the Foxes, has found life tough in the East Midlands as expectations remain high for a club that won the Premier League less than a decade ago and featured in Europe as recently as 2021/22.
After suffering only one defeat in their opening 11 Championship games, Leicester looked set to be among the early promotion contenders.
However, three straight defeats have seen them drop to 14th place, prompting frustration from supporters directed not only at Cifuentes but also at owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and director of football Jon Rudkin.
Saturday’s 2-0 home loss to Blackburn Rovers further intensified pressure on the manager, with fans audibly expressing their discontent.
Speaking to Football League World, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has urged patience, insisting there is still time for Leicester to recover and challenge for the play-offs.
“They’re one win in nine but only five points off the top six,” Hendrie explained. “I think Cifuentes is a very good manager and deserves backing. Two wins could turn everything around.”
Cifuentes’ side has won just once since August 30, with several draws contributing to their slide.
Hendrie compared the Foxes’ situation to other promotion hopefuls like Southampton and Sheffield United, who have already changed managers, but believes Leicester’s hierarchy should avoid following suit given Cifuentes’ three-year deal.
Despite dominating possession — ranking third in the league for average ball retention — Leicester’s main issues lie in both penalty areas.
Their once-solid defence has faltered in recent weeks, while only one of their 15 goals this season has been scored by a natural striker.
With crucial fixtures against Middlesbrough and Norwich City ahead, Cifuentes must quickly rediscover momentum to ease growing concerns.
Failure to do so could test the club’s resolve to stay patient, even as Hendrie insists time remains on the manager’s side.
