Leicester appoint Cifuentes as Van Nistelrooy replacement

Leicester City have appointed Marti Cifuentes as their new manager.

Cifuentes replaces Ruud van Nistelrooy, who left the club last month by mutual consent after failing to prevent the Foxes suffering relegation to the Championship having replaced Steve Cooper last November.

The Spaniard was previously in charge of QPR, having taken charge at Loftus Road in October 2023. Cifuentes led QPR to the result that secured Leicester’s promotion to the Premier League in 2024, a 4-0 win over Leeds United.

QPR finished 15th in the Championship under Cifuentes last season before they announced he had left by mutual consent last month.

He now takes over at the King Power Stadium, tasked with helping Leicester rebuild after finishing third-bottom in the Premier League.

“It’s a great honour to be appointed Leicester City manager,” Cifuentes told Leicester’s official website.

“This is a fantastic club with a proud history and it’s a privilege to me to be asked to help write the next chapter.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the players, as well as connecting with our supporters and the city in the weeks and months ahead. I can see the passion that exists here, and I’m excited to begin this journey together.”

Leicester begin their Championship campaign at home against Sheffield Wednesday on August 10.