Whilst Leicester City's hierarchy search for a replacement for the recently dismissed Marti Cifuentes, hope now exists among the fan base due to four deadline day (and the subsequent day) signings. Regarding management, LCFC supporters remain desperate for a return to the structured, possession-heavy dominance of the Enzo Maresca era, even if the style occasionally annoyed them previously. Yet the latest bookmaker odds tell a far more sobering story.
Enzo Maresca at Leicester City, or, more likely, Russell Martin
Russell Martin has now emerged as the frontrunner for the Foxes job at 5/2; fresh from a difficult stint at Rangers and a disastrous Premier League journey at Southampton. He is followed closely by club legend and current interim boss Andy King at 4/1.
Next up are experienced Championship navigators Gary Rowett and Chris Coleman who feature prominently in the betting markets. Nevertheless the City fan base is largely united in their desire for Maresca's (12/1) return. They view him as a solution who already holds the blueprint for their contemplating tactical identity.
Having guided the club to the Championship title in 2024 before a turbulent but high-achieving spell at Chelsea, the Italian represents a level of prestige that the East Midlands outfit currently lacks. Although, a romantic reunion is, arguably, highly improbable in spite of claims.
Despite a reported lucrative short-term offer from the board, Maresca's stock is high following a Club World Cup win. He is widely expected to wait for a top-tier vacancy (possibly even at Manchester City) rather than risk professional regression by battling in the bottom half of the English Football League Championship.
Probable
The 40-year-old's recent record of sackings suggests he is a gamble for a club flirting with a catastrophic relegation. The odds reflect a club in dismayed transition: forced to choose between unproven sentimentality and available managers with damaged reputations.
The harsh reality is that Leicester's tone-deaf leadership will probably choose Martin. And he offers a clear philosophy when nearing football's apex: doom.