Leicester City fans have been left with a familiar sense of frustration after Marti Cifuentes became the latest manager to be dismissed, following Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Oxford United.
Cifuentes only arrived in the summer but was working under severe financial restrictions at the King Power Stadium. With no room to invest in permanent signings, Leicester were one of just two Championship sides, along with Sheffield Wednesday, who failed to spend any transfer fees. Those limitations have contributed to a hugely challenging season.
The Foxes now sit 14th in the table, only nine points clear of the relegation places. With the threat of a points deduction still hanging over the club, fears of dropping into League One have not gone away, while any hopes of promotion have long since faded. Much of the anger from supporters has been directed upstairs, particularly towards director of football Jon Rudkin.
Jamie Vardy has now weighed in, albeit cautiously, when asked about Rudkin’s role in Leicester’s ongoing problems.
Vardy left the club at the end of the 2024-25 season after 13 years, bringing an era to a close before moving to Italian side Cremonese. The 39-year-old has scored five times in 18 Serie A appearances and remains a beloved figure among the Leicester faithful after racking up 200 goals in 500 games.
Following Cremonese’s home match against Verona, Vardy was approached by a Leicester supporter who asked whether Rudkin was at the heart of the club’s issues. The striker responded with a wry smile, saying he could neither confirm nor deny. While non-committal, many fans will see that answer as quietly reflecting the mood around the club.
Leicester’s recent history has only added to the pressure on those making decisions. Enzo Maresca guided the team back to the Premier League in 2023-24 through consistency rather than flair, but his departure to Chelsea sparked another period of instability. Steve Cooper was brought in despite his strong ties to Nottingham Forest and lasted just 15 games. Ruud van Nistelrooy followed but was unable to prevent relegation, departing shortly before pre-season began.
Cifuentes then took the reins without meaningful backing in the transfer market, and his exit has continued the cycle. With responsibility ultimately sitting at board level, and particularly with the director of football, Leicester’s next managerial appointment feels crucial. After two turbulent years, getting this decision right could define the club’s immediate future.