Leicester City confirmed on Thursday night that they have sacked their manager Claudio Ranieri.The Italian led the underdogs to a fairytale Premier League title only last season but has taken them to the brink of relegation this campaign.

Vice Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “This has been the most difficult decision we have had to make in nearly seven years since King Power took ownership of Leicester City. But we are duty-bound to put the Club’s long-term interests above all sense of personal sentiment, no matter how strong that might be.

The club added that first team preparations for Monday’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool will resume on Saturday, with Assistant Manager Craig Shakespeare and First Team Coach Mike Stowell taking charge of the squad until a new manager is appointed.

Ranieri brought in Nigerians Ahmed Musa in the summer and the impressive Wilfred Ndidi only in January.

Report by Miyen Akiri