The dismissal of Marti Cifuentes has plunged Leicester City into yet another period of introspection as well as uncertainty. This leaves the King Power faithful yearning for a restoration of the East Midlands club's fractured identity. Club legend Andy King has stepped into the breach as interim manager and there is a poignant, if slightly nostalgic, sentiment among the Blue Army.
Indeed, if King is not deemed ready for the permanent mantle, the call for Nigel Pearson becomes deafening. City supporters have personally disclosed which bosses they would actually want to succeed Marti Cifuentes on Filbert Way. Names such as Nigel Pearson, Enzo Maresca, Lee Carsley came up frequently in this BBC Sport article which consulted the Blue Army.
The people of Leicester City have spoken
​Supporters view Pearson not only as a manager, but as the architect of the outfit's modern soul. Having twice resurrected the Foxes from the doldrums, and being the architect of Claudio Ranieri's Premier League title-winning side, he represents the 'tough love' and structural discipline currently missing.
Fans ideally want a figure who commands the dressing room with the same granite authority and dynamism that defined the pre-miracle era. But that scenario may not be possible.
​Although, realism must temper romance. Pearson has been out of the game since 2023 and has faced well-documented health challenges, making a long-term appointment a significant gamble.
If a sentimental return for "Big Nige" or a fairytale promotion for King proves bridge too far, the pragmatic consensus shifts toward a battle-hardened Championship operator - existing experience elsewhere.
Comments
"Nick: Go for experience, ideally someone previously connected with the club, for this season at least. Characters like Nigel Pearson or Neil Lennon would reconnect the fans and push the players."BBC
Names like Gary Rowett possibly offer the stability required to steer a drifting squad away from the mid-table mediocrity that has become an uncomfortable new reality.
"John: Someone like Gary Rowett. We need to stop conceding goals. Clean sheets and build from there. Every point we can get is vital. Please not Russell Martin!"
While much of the fan base would love to see Maresca returns. However unlikely that eventuality is for the LE2 enthusiasts.
"Ash: I think most Leicester fans would take Maresca back in a heartbeat, realistically we will end up with Russell Martin and another six months time he will be getting the sack."