Rodgers leaves struggling Leicester by mutual consent

Last-gasp loss leaves Foxes in relegation zone with 10 games left

LONDON:

Leicester parted company with manager Brendan Rodgers on Sunday as they look to maintain their Premier League status.

The Foxes dropped into the relegation zone after conceding late to lose 2-1 at Crystal Palace on Saturday, a damaging result which extended their winless run to seven games.

Former Liverpool boss Rodgers leaves by mutual consent after recently reaching four years in charge of Leicester.

He delivered two top-five finishes in the Premier League and the club's first ever FA Cup win in 2021.

In a club statement, chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: "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."

First team coaches Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell have been put in temporary charge ahead of a huge week for Leicester's survival bid.

In-form Aston Villa visit the King Power on Tuesday before Saturday's clash against fellow strugglers Bournemouth.

Rodgers made the move to Leicester from Celtic in February 2019 after winning seven trophies with the Glasgow giants.

His first two full seasons at the club were hugely successful, despite narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification on both occasions.

That disappointment was dampened in 2021 when Youri Tielemans' blistering strike beat Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final.

But the Foxes were unable to continue punching above their weight as many of their key players were picked off by richer Premier League clubs.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire and Chelsea duo Ben Chilwell and Wesley Fofana were among those who left the club during Rodgers' reign.

Despite selling that trio at a huge profit, Leicester continue to haemorrhage money due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, a rising wage bill and a new £100-million ($123-million) training facility.

That saw Rodgers handed a tight transfer budget this season and the impact has been felt on the pitch.

After losing six of their first seven games, four wins in five prior to the World Cup pulled them clear of the relegation battle.

But a run of just one point in their last six league games has finally cost Rodgers his job.

"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," Srivaddhanaprabha added.

"His place in Leicester City history is assured."